This ad hoc query examines which actors are responsible for monitoring the fundamental rights of unaccompanied minors during screening in Member States, and whether the Ombudsmen for children have a role in this procedure. The query explores whether the Ombudsmen are consulted during the screening process, whether they conduct unannounced visits to the facilities where unaccompanied minors are accommodated, whether they can speak with the children in private, and whether they have access to documents concerning the children during the screening process. 

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 maps how EMN Member and Observer Countries address the legal status and documentation of children born on their territory to legally residing Belarusian parents who are unable to obtain a national passport following the adoption of Decree No. 278 of the Republic of Belarus. 

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 whether EMN Member Countries plan to change their age assessment procedures in light of Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 on multidisciplinary age assessments. It explores which authorities or external providers are involved in the procedure, and how multidisciplinary teams carry out the assessment in practice. The query also covers how applicants are interviewed and how conclusions are drawn and communicated.

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 inquires about the differences in access to social assistance benefits for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection in EMN Member Countries. Additionally, it looks at the reasons given for these differences in access to social assistance benefits and considers whether there are any plans or proposals to introduce further distinctions in access for these groups in the near future. 

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 study examines skills matching for migrants in Belgium as part of a broader European-level analysis conducted within the framework of the EMN. It focuses on how policies and initiatives align migrants’ qualifications and skills with labour market needs. The analysis considers both vertical and horizontal mismatches, where skills or fields of study do not correspond to job requirements. It identifies key challenges, as well as lessons learned and good practices, in supporting sustainable labour market integration through improved skills matching.