This Inform, covering developments across 22 EMN Member Countries, as well as Norway and Serbia, explores the use of alternatives to providing in-kind housing for applicants for international protection between January 2020 and October 2025. It examines how such measures were implemented while respecting legal obligations and supporting applicants’ autonomy, addressing their vulnerability, and promoting their integration into society. The Inform focuses on financial allowances and vouchers as alternatives to accommodation provided directly by the state and highlights national approaches and innovative solutions identified across participating countries.

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries experience irregular occupancy within their reception systems. It explores whether countries have mechanisms that allow individuals in the reception system to save part of their income to facilitate access to independent housing, or whether direct financial support is provided. The query also considers whether countries have mechanisms for individuals who unjustifiably refuse to leave the reception system, as well as any financial reimbursement mechanisms for costs incurred when an individual remains irregularly.

This ad hoc query examines the ways in which EMN Member and Observer Countries calculate periods of absence in the context of applications for an EU Long-Term Residence Status, which requires 5 years of continuous residence. Additionally, this ad hoc query inquires about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in EMN Member and Observer Countries, or any future plans to do so. 

This Inform examines how digital services in legal migration procedures are designed and implemented in EMN Member and Observer Countries to ensure accessibility and inclusion for applicants with disabilities and digitally disadvantaged applicants. It looks at how authorities have adapted applications, document submission, appointment booking, communication and information exchange, and case-tracking services in the context of the ongoing digitalisation of legal migration procedures. The analysis is based on contributions from 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries.

This ad hoc query examines whether, and how, EMN Member and Observer Countries regulate employment agencies that charge recruitment fees to third-country national workers. More specifically, it gathers information on the legislative basis for such regulations as well as set maximum fees and sanctions in cases where recruitment fees were charged unlawfully to third-country workers.  

This ad hoc query maps the legislation and administrative practices of EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the issuance of temporary residence permits to third-country nationals based on the purchase or long-term rental of real estate. It explores the specific conditions for these permits and identifies any issues or particularities encountered by national authorities in their issuance. 

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries implement measures to facilitate a more efficient and effective recognition of the qualifications of third-country nationals (TCNs) for access to regulated professions. It explores whether countries use specific assessment methods to enable TCNs to enter regulated professions, whether they facilitate or accelerate the recognition procedure for specific groups of TCNs or specific professions, and whether they have institutional arrangements or coordination mechanisms in place to facilitate that recognition. The query also considers whether countries are involved in cooperation activities related to these recognition procedures.  

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries allow persons holding a Schengen visa and persons enjoying visa-free travel to apply for a single permit on their territory during their short stay. Additionally, the ad hoc query inquires about different aspects of such procedures as well as possibilities for third-country nationals to obtain a visa for the purpose of seeking employment.   

This ad hoc query examines the extent to which EMN Member and Observer Countries require medical certificates in the context of applications for temporary and permanent residence permits. More specifically, it inquires at what stage in the procedure the medical certificate is requested and what medical conditions are examined.  

This ad hoc query examines requirements relating to residence and work permits for seafarers, as well as pilots of aircraft and other crew personnel. It enquires about the specificities of such requirements and assesses to what extent different rules apply to vessels registered in EU/EEA countries as opposed to vessels registered in third countries.  

This ad hoc query examines whether accommodation centres are included in spatial planning regulations in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and whether exceptions apply during periods of significant increases in asylum applications. It also looks at possible exceptions to zoning rules, environmental impact assessments, and the duration of construction and operative permits. Finally, it explores whether countries have formal guidance or standards for establishing such centres, including aspects like room sizes or site location.

This ad hoc query provides an overview of which EMN Member and Observer Countries require criminal record certificates in order to issue long-stay visas or residence permits. Details are provided on the categories of third-country nationals exempted from this requirement, the countries from which these certificates are required (country of origin and/or of previous residence), the other types of documents that may be accepted in lieu of a certificate (such as an affidavit), and more.

This ad hoc query maps EMN Member Countries’ intended waiting periods for access to the labour market following the implementation of the recast Reception Conditions Directive. It aims to provide a comparative overview of planned national approaches under the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.

This joint EMN-OECD study provides a comprehensive overview of labour migration laws, policies, initiatives, and practices targeting third-country nationals in EMN Member Countries and Serbia between January 2021 and June 2024. It examines how labour migration is used to address current and future workforce shortages, covering key countries of origin and crucial labour sectors. The study highlights the challenges faced and the practices considered by countries with regard to labour migration.

This ad hoc query examines whether countries have implemented alternatives to provide housing in kind (for instance, financial support) for applicants for international protection between 2020 and 2025, and if so, under which circumstances and for which target group. The query further explores the implementation of such alternatives, such as the systems put in place to ensure the mandatory provision of services (e.g., legal support, healthcare), and the specific measures to support vulnerable groups. Finally, the query examines whether these alternatives were evaluated through an established evaluation system, and if so, what the key results of these evaluations were. 

This ad hoc query examines whether national procedures allow or require immigration officers to request missing or additional information from applicants for legal migration after an initially incomplete application, and, if so, under what circumstances, to what extent, and within which deadlines.

This ad hoc query examines the approaches taken by EMN Member Countries regarding potential changes to support measures for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTPs) with respect to accommodation and social welfare. It examines whether changes were applied retroactively and whether different levels of support persist across groups. The query investigates the existence of differentiated support for vulnerable BoTPs and how vulnerability is defined and assessed. 

This ad hoc query examines where applicants for international protection (and beneficiaries of temporary protection) with special needs are accommodated. When accommodated in regular reception centres, the query explores the services provided in-house and the professionals employed in this regard. When applicants are accommodated in specialised facilities, the placement procedure is examined, including which stakeholders are involved and their respective roles and responsibilities. It also covers how these financial costs are borne.

This Inform examines how international protection applicants and accommodation centres are distributed across 23 EMN Member Countries and Serbia, and how such policies are governed and managed. It compares approaches, criteria and mechanisms used by different countries, highlighting both challenges and good practices. The study also looks at how local communities and stakeholders are informed and engaged in the process. Finally, it identifies opportunities for further collaboration to support effective reception and integration.

This ad hoc query aims to map the processing times of work-based residence permits across EMN Member and Observer Countries, including the collection of statistics on such processing times and the existence of fast-track procedures for certain categories of employees.

This ad hoc query compares the existence, type, and scope of bilateral or multilateral agreements on labour mobility between EMN Member and Observer Countries and non-EU/EEA countries, including whether they target general or sector-specific mobility, contain protection provisions, and provide monitoring or evaluation mechanisms.

This report provides a diagnosis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Flemish framework for management of economic migration and recommendations for possible areas of reform. The report also presents some of the first empirical analyses of retention and outcomes of economic migrants in Flanders. 

This joint European Migration Network (EMN) – OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) Inform provides an overview of innovative initiatives to attract foreign talent between January 2021 and March 2024 by EMN Member Countries and selected non-EU OECD member countries. It also analyses whether and how EMN Member Countries monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives and identify related challenges and good practices.

This European Migration Network (EMN) study documents the illegal employment of third-country nationals in EMN Member Countries between 2017-2022. It includes an up-to-date analysis of key legislative and policy frameworks and practices to prevent, identify and tackle the illegal employment of third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of temporary protection. It also provides examples of challenges and good practices.