This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries have age assessment procedures in place, how these procedures are conducted, and which actors are responsible. It also explores the challenges encountered and how they are addressed. Finally, it examines whether the respondent countries plan to introduce a new procedure or amend an existing one in the near future.

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries are developing or considering initiatives to maintain and strengthen the connections between beneficiaries of temporary protection displaced from Ukraine and their country of origin. It aims to map projects that support continued engagement with Ukraine, including information provision to enable informed decisions about possible return. The query also explores whether such initiatives contribute to future recovery and sustainable reintegration.

This ad hoc query maps the legislation and current practices in EU Member States regarding the use of the European travel document for the return of irregularly staying third-country nationals (TCNs). It provides an overview of whether the document is used in practice, which third countries accept it, whether established operational procedures exist, and to what extent the document is recognised for transit purposes.

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 whether EMN Member and Observer countries allow the revocation of temporary protection residence permits when beneficiaries are granted temporary protection in another Member State under Article 8(1) of Directive 2001/55/EC. It seeks to identify the legal provisions governing such revocation or, where applicable, alternative approaches.

The Belgian authorities launched this ad hoc query to understand how other Member States provide information to third-country nationals in the context of return, in order to fulfil their obligation under the Return Directive, and to assess whether making this information available via a website or IT application would be considered sufficient to meet these requirements.

This ad hoc query examines how EMN Member Countries use new technologies to address language barriers during return procedures for third-country nationals. It investigates the deployment of tools such as translation software, handheld devices, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence throughout the return process. The query also reviews relevant legal and data protection frameworks and the application of these tools in key return-related activities like identification, communication of decisions, and detention procedures.

This ad hoc query explores the types of support measures provided by EMN Member Countries to beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTP), including accommodation, financial aid, administrative and logistical services, and medical care. It also examines the eligibility criteria for these measures, the differences from support offered to applicants for international protection (AIPs), and whether entitlements continue for BoTP who are employed. 

This ad hoc query, launched by EMN Belgium, explores whether authorities in EMN Member Countries are permitted to search the electronic devices of irregularly staying third-country nationals in the context of return. It examines the legal conditions under which such searches may take place, the categories of individuals concerned, the availability of related statistics, and the perceived impact on identification processes. The query also invites information on challenges encountered and any planned legislative developments in this area.

This ad hoc query examines the voluntary return procedures for Ukrainian nationals granted temporary protection in EU Member States, focusing on the support provided for their return and reintegration. The aim is to understand the various national approaches to facilitating voluntary returns, including whether reintegration assistance is offered and how these programmes are funded.

This ad hoc query examines how EMN Member and Observer Countries use service providers for return and reintegration services. It covers whether countries manage operations directly or rely on service providers, details on contracts and procurement methods used, and how they assess European Procurement Regulations when choosing procurement approaches, including any exceptions justifying direct contracts.

This ad hoc query looks into the time limit within which an administrative authority may detain, without judicial review, an applicant for international protection or an irregularly staying third-country national who is subject to return.

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries provide alternative legal statuses, aside from temporary protection, for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine within their national legislation and explores whether these statuses grant certain rights beyond temporary protection. Additionally, it considers whether EMN Member Countries have plans to create and offer beneficiaries of temporary protection a more permanent status, other than international protection, before the expiration of temporary protection.

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries have provisions in their current legislation that allow for the refusal of an application for temporary protection by a Ukrainian national solely on the basis that the applicant also holds the nationality of an EU Member State. Additionally, it explores how EMN Member and Observer Countries proceed when they receive such applications.

This ad hoc query examines how various EU Member States have implemented Article 15 of the Return Directive (2008/115/EU), Article 8 of the Reception Conditions Directive (2013/33/EU), and Article 28 of the Dublin Regulation (EU 604/2013), all of which pertain to the detention of third-country nationals.

This ad hoc query examines which alternatives to detention are most commonly used, especially for families with children, and how the effectiveness of the alternatives to detention is assessed. It further analyses which elements (indicators, statements, etc.) are taken into account before imposing an alternative to detention and what challenges are faced in this matter.

This ad hoc query identifies which EMN Member and Observer Countries promote self-reliance of beneficiaries of temporary protection by paying a one-off lump sum to cover the initial costs associated with their transition from the temporary collective housing to regular private housing. In addition, it addresses the control mechanisms in place to prevent misuse and ensure the efficiency of the system.

Within the framework of the Return Expert Group (REG), this ad hoc query aims to identify innovative collaborations related to multistakeholder governance. The focus is on partnerships between national authorities, local authorities, and civil society organizations to facilitate information sharing, guidance, and case resolution for migrants with return decisions or those remaining undocumented and off the radar of national authorities. 

This ad hoc query focuses on the early detection and identification of presumed victims of torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in international and temporary protection procedures. It inter alia collects information from EMN Member Countries on guidance and training available to competent authorities, on referrals to medico-legal assessments and use of medico-legal documentation as well as on challenges and good practices in this field.

The Swedish government has established a committee to review aspects of Swedish legislation concerning the return procedures for third-country nationals. The committee's goal is to propose new measures and revisions to existing laws to enhance the effectiveness of the return process. Consequently, they initiated an ad hoc query to gather information about the regulations related to the limited validity period of return decisions and the duration of entry bans.

At the beginning of 2023, a coordination meeting of the directors of the Belgian closed detention centers was held. At this meeting, they expressed their concern about the significant increase in the trafficking of drugs inside their centers. That’s why EMN Belgium was asked to launch an ad hoc query in order to gather information on how this issue is addressed in the other Member States.  

In response to the large influx of Ukrainian refugees, the Estonian Ministry of Culture is looking into setting up new possibilities for e-learning the local language. The objective of this query is to map other EMN Member and Observer Countries’ experience with technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, to develop an offer of virtual language learning.

This ad hoc query, launched by Luxembourg, examines what guidelines, procedures, and possible best practices are in place when LGBTIQ+ individuals are detained.

Have Member States planned to extend or issue new documents certifying the right of residence to beneficiaries of temporary protection whose certificates/visas/residence permits issued in 2022 are going to expire on 4 March 2023? This ad hoc query explores how Member States will address this, taking into account the large number of Ukrainians concerned.

Are the Member States providing any support measures to Ukrainian citizens wishing to go back to Ukraine on a voluntary basis? This ad hoc query launched by Estonia examines the current measures as well as possible plans, including to develop long-term support measures/programs for Ukrainians who wish to voluntarily go back to Ukraine.