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 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.

For many EU countries, seasonal workers from third countries are crucial to fill temporary, cyclical labour market needs. Since the adoption of the Seasonal Workers Directive in 2016, this specific category of workers can benefit from EU-harmonised admission policies and rights concerning their entry and stay. This study provides a comparative overview of recent trends in seasonal workers coming to the EU and Belgium, and the strategies and practices related to seasonal workers from third countries.

Over half of the EU Member States consider that attracting and retaining innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups from countries outside the EU will promote a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. What are the main pull factors and requirements for foreign start-up founders and employees? A new study from the European Migration Network reveals good practices and challenges from Belgium and 24 EU Member States.

Attracting students from third countries and facilitating their entry into the national labour market is a priority to the EU. The EMN has published a study on 25 EU countries’ efforts to provide opportunities for international students.

This study examines the interconnection between labour shortages in the Member States and labour migration policies from third countries to Member States.

This EMN study aims to compare the different national policies in place for non-EU investors, business owners and other business persons at the various stages of migration (pre-entry, entry and stay).

This study provides an overview of the social security entitlements of certain categories of immigrants in Belgium. It also analyses the socio-economic position of immigrants in Belgium.

This focussed study assesses whether Belgium actively attracts (highly) qualified third country nationals, analysing national measures and policies, their effectiveness and remaining challenges and barriers.

Based on the contributions from 24 EMN NCPs, this synthesis report provides an overview of the immigration and mobility policies allowing international students to enter into and move within the EU for the purpose of study.

What are the challenges/barriers which affect the intra-EU mobility of third-country nationals? The study analyses this question as well as the EU acquis and national policies of relevance in this matter.

This research project undertaken by Prof. F. Caestecker (University College Ghent) investigates the policy towards international students and the extent to which third-country nationals used opportunities to study in Belgium during the last decade.

The final version of the Synthesis Report for the EMN Study on ‘Temporary and Circular migration: empirical evidence, current policy practice and future options in EU Member States’ has now been launched

EMN presents its synthesis report of the EMN study ‘Satisfying Labour Demand through Migration ’. Source of this publication are the different national studies, carried out in 2010 by the National Contact Points (NCP's) of the EMN.

What is the Belgian approach and policy regarding economic migration? This study addresses this question and examines the labour migration in Belgium from the point of view of combating labour shortages and/or labour demands.

What is the Belgian approach towards highly skilled workers from third countries? This study examines in detail the selection criteria, admission requirements, procedures for issuing work permits and the available data on the subject.

This study examines the migration of students and professionals in the health sector in Belgium. It addresses various issues relating to qualifications and attractiveness of the education system and limitations to the migration of health professionals from third countries.