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  • Publications (13)
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  • EMN Informs (3)
  • EMN Ad Hoc Queries (9)
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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

Joint EMN-OECD event on family migration and illegal employment

09/11/2017

A joint European Migration Network & OECD event exploring the topics of family migration and illegal employment took place in Brussels on 9 November 2017.

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Irregular Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
EMN conference

ILO global media competition on labour migration: Deadline for submissions!

22/08/2017

During the competition which has started on 31 July 2017 and closes on 27 October 2017, professional journalists are invited to submit exemplary articles and media productions on labour migration.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
labour migration
migrant worker

General policy note on asylum and migration (2017)

26/10/2017

On the 26th of October 2017 the general policy note on asylum and migration of the State Secretary for Asylum and Migration was published. The policy note provides an overview of the main achievements and priorities in the field of asylum and migration.

Theme:
Reception
International Protection
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Borders & Visa
Irregular Migration
Return & Readmission
Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords:
policy note
State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration

Belgian experts gather at event on the irregular employment of third country nationals organized by the Belgian Contact Point of the EMN

05/10/2017

Today, the Belgian National Contact Point of the European Migration Network organized an event in Brussels to discuss the irregular employment of third country nationals.

Theme:
Economic migration
Irregular Migration
Return & Readmission
Type:
News item
Keywords:
illegal employment
migrant worker

EMN annual conference in Estonia focuses on the EU in the Global Race for Talents

22/09/2017

In the framework of the Estonian Presidency of the Council, the Estonian Contact Point of the EMN organized the annual EMN conference on 21 and 22 september in Tallinn. The event gathered key stakeholders who discussed good practices and challenges in attracting and retaining talents in the EU and in the Member States.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
EMN Annual Conference
Estonia
talent

Retaining third - country national students in the EU (EMN Inform)

20/09/2017

This EMN Inform summarises the main findings of the EMN Ad-Hoc Query (AHQ) on Retaining third-country national students.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Informs
Keywords:
student

Deadline for responding to European Commission public consultation on legal migration by non-EU citizens

19/06/2017

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect evidence, experiences, data and opinions to support the evaluation of the existing EU legal framework for the legal entry and stay of nationals of non-EU countries to the EU Member States. The deadline is 18 September 2017. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
public consultation

Illegal Employment of Third-Country Nationals in the EU (EMN Inform)

25/08/2017

This EMN Inform summarizes the main findings of the EMN study "The Illegal Employment of Third-Country Nationals in the EU".

Theme:
Economic migration
Irregular Migration
Return & Readmission
Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication type:
Informs

Commission refers Belgium to the Court of Justice for failing to fully implement the Single Permit Directive

13/07/2017

Today, the European Commission decided to refer Belgium to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to fully implement the Single Permit Directive (Directive 2011/98/EU). Designed to facilitate legal migration, the Directive introduces simplified procedures and a common set of rights for non-EU workers.

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

Ad Hoc Query on transposition of directive 2016/801 (students, au pairs, …)

24/04/2017

23 (Member) States provided information on how they are currently dealing with some aspects of Directive 2016/801, in particular types of financial resources used by international students, the use of frozen/blocked accounts by international students, and approved/recognised organisations mediating au pairs. This ad-hoc query was launched by the Belgian Contact Point to the EMN.

Theme:
Economic migration
Student Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
student directive

The Economic Effects of Labour Immigration in Developing Countries (OECD)

01/02/2017

This paper reviews existing theoretical and empirical evidence on the economic effects of immigration in developing countries.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Report
Keywords:
migration and development
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