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  • Publications (15)
  • News (9)
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  • EMN Studies (2)
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  • EMN Ad Hoc Queries (8)
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Ad Hoc Query on methodology for calculating periods of absence

15/05/2026

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. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
long-term residence
continuous residence
period of absence
entry exit system
digitalisation

Belgian Council of Ministers approves draft bill on labour migration and highly qualified non-EU workers

13/05/2026

The Belgian Council of Ministers has approved a draft bill aimed at strengthening rules on labour migration and improving the framework for highly qualified non-EU workers. The proposal includes measures aimed at strengthening the fight against fraud linked to labour migration, while also seeking to make the European Blue Card more attractive for highly qualified workers from outside the European Union. The draft bill also provides for additional protection for workers who are victims of certain social law infringements committed by employers. The text will now be submitted to the Council of State for advice.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
labour migration
highly skilled workers
EU blue card
single permit
fraud
infringement
exploitation

Bridging the digital divide: Digital services in legal migration procedures for accessibility and inclusion (EMN Inform)

12/05/2026

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.

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Citizenship & Nationality
Borders & Visa
Publication type:
Informs
Keywords:
legal migration
digitalisation
accessibility
inclusion

Ad Hoc Query on regulating recruitment fees charged by employment agencies to migrant workers

06/05/2026

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.  

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
migrant worker
employment agency
recruitment fee
fair recruitment

Ad Hoc Query on temporary residence permits for the purpose of purchasing real estate

06/05/2026

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. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
temporary residence permit
real estate
investment
rental

Ad Hoc Query on recognition of qualifications and skills of third-country nationals in relation to regulated professions

30/04/2026

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.  

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
third-country nationals
qualifications
skills recognition
regulated profession

Ad Hoc Query on applications for a single permit to reside and work from a short stay

30/04/2026

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.   

Theme:
Economic migration
Borders & Visa
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
Schengen visa
visa-free travel
single permit
migrant worker

Ad Hoc Query on medical examination requirements in future amendments of national residence permit regulations

10/04/2026

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.  

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
application for a residence permit
medical examination
medical certificate

Ad Hoc Query on residence permits for seafarers and other crew personnel

05/04/2026

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.  

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
residence permit
work permit
seafarer
crew

EU Parliament backs EU Talent Pool to facilitate international recruitment for in-demand occupations

10/03/2026

The European Parliament has endorsed the creation of an EU Talent Pool, a digital platform designed to match job vacancies in participating Member States with job seekers from third countries. The initiative aims to support recruitment in sectors facing labour shortages while remaining subject to national immigration procedures and voluntary participation by Member States. While supporters highlight its potential to strengthen legal pathways for labour migration, trade unions have raised concerns about worker protection and safeguards. The proposal still requires formal adoption by the Council before entering into force.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
EU Talent Pool
adoption
European Parliament

Flanders issued record number of work permits to non-EU nationals in 2025

13/02/2026

Flanders granted around 21.460 work permits to non-EU nationals in 2025, the highest level in recent years. Seasonal work and medium- to high-skilled positions accounted for a large share of the permits. New rules introduced in January 2026 give priority to domestic and EU labour before non-EU recruitment. Stakeholders, including employer organisations and political parties, have expressed differing perspectives on these developments.

Theme:
Data & Statistics
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Flanders
work permit
single permit
third-country nationals
seasonal work
shortage occupation

The European Commission publishes the EU visa strategy and a Recommendation on attracting talent for innovation

29/01/2026

The documents set out key elements of the European Commission’s approach to managing international mobility to the EU. The EU Visa Strategy aims to strengthen the Union’s security and integrity through enhanced visa procedures, modernise the processing and management of visas, and support the EU’s economy and competitiveness by facilitating legitimate travel. Complementing this, the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation provides guidance to Member States on attracting, admitting, and retaining international students, researchers, highly skilled workers, and innovative entrepreneurs.

Theme:
Economic migration
Student Migration
Borders & Visa
Type:
News item
Keywords:
visa policy
visa strategy
talent attraction
talent retention

Ad Hoc Query on criminal record certificates

18/01/2026

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.

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Borders & Visa
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
visa
residence permit
application
criminal record certificate
security

Webinar - Belgium: Changes to Immigration Policy in Flanders and to Family Reunification Rules

02/01/2026

Fragomen will host a webinar on recent changes to Belgium’s immigration policies. The session will cover two main areas: first, new rules in the Flanders Region concerning economic migration, including labour migration pathways, contractual liability, and labour market testing; and second, nationwide modifications affecting family reunification, such as stricter financial criteria for visa applications. The webinar will also highlight practical implications for businesses employing foreign nationals.

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
Flanders
illegal employment
labour market test
low-skilled workers
financial requirement
application for family reunification

Exploring New Avenues for Legislation for Labour Migration to the European Union (Study for the LIBE Committee)

16/12/2015

Upon request by the LIBE committee, this research paper reviews the social and economic context of EU international labour migration policy, the status of relevant EU legislation and the available policy options.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Study
Keywords:
labour migration

Belgium is referred to the Court of Justice of the EU regarding the Single Permit Directive

Logo European Commission

19/11/2015

The Commission is referring Belgium for failing to transpose the Single Permit Directive. The Commission proposes a daily penalty of 52,828.16 euros.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Court of Justice of the European Union
single permit directive

Determining labour shortages and the need for labour migration from third countries (EMN Inform)

Cover image EMN Inform on labour shortages

16/11/2015

This EMN Inform summarises the main findings of the EMN Study "Determining labour shortages and the need for labour migration from third countries".

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Informs
Keywords:
labour migration
labour shortage

Belgium ends restrictions on free movement of workers from Croatia

Logo European Commission

01/07/2015

Today Belgium lifted the restrictions on the free movement of workers from Croatia. Croatian citizens are now able to fully exercise their right to work in Belgium without a work permit.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Croatia
free movement

Determining labour shortages and the need for labour migration from third countries in Belgium and in the EU (EMN)

Cover image EU synthesis report on labour shortages

30/06/2015

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

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Thematic Studies
Keywords:
labour migration
labour shortage

Public consultation on the EU Blue Card and the EU's labour migration policies

28/05/2015

Today, 28 May 2015, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the future of the Blue Card Directive. This consultation invites stakeholders (migrants, employers, trade unions, governmental organisations, etc.) to share their views on the EU Blue Card and how it can be improved.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
economic migration
European Commission

Annual Conference on European Migration Law 2015 (ERA)

Cover page of flyer presenting ERA annual conference 2015

10/03/2015

This annual conference aims to tackle the current challenges for the EU in developing a coherent legal framework in the field of labour migration and to provide practitioners with an update on the legal rules applicable to labour migrants.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
blue card
highly skilled
labour migration
seasonal workers directive
single permit directive

Admitting third-country nationals for business purposes (EMN Inform)

1st page of Inform on business migration

06/05/2015

This EMN Inform summarises the main findings of the EMN Study Admitting third-country nationals for business purposes focusing on the admission for business purposes of non-EU investors, non-EU business-owners and other business persons.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Informs
Keywords:
business person
immigrant business owner
immigrant investor

Belgium receives a reasoned opinion concerning the "Single Permit Directive"

European Commission logo

29/04/2015

The European Commission asks Belgium to implement rules on a Single Permit and a clear set of rights for legal migrant workers.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
ingringement procedure
single permit directive

Annual Conference of the EMN : « Attracting and retaining talents in Europe» (2 days, Riga)

First page of concept paper of EMN annual conference Riga

20/03/2015

The Annual Conference of the European Migration Network was held on March 19 and 20. It aimed to provide a global context for the ‘competition for talent’ as well as the practical responses that Member States have developed to ensure that their skills needs can be identified and met.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
competitiveness
EMN Annual Conference
highly skilled workers
talent

EMN Conference: Attracting and Retaining Talent In Europe (Riga, 2 days)

Logo of Latvian Presidency

02/03/2015

On 19-20 March 2015, the Latvian Contact Point of the EMN, under the auspices of the Latvian Presidency of the European Council, organizes the EMN Conference on "Attracting and Retaining Talent in Europe".

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
competitiveness
economic growth
EMN conference
talent

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