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  • Publications (18)
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  • EMN Informs (1)
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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

Ad Hoc Query on obligations for the employers to secure adequate accommodation for migrants with stay and work permits other than seasonal workers

15/12/2023

This ad hoc query identifies which EMN Member Countries foresee an obligation for the employer to secure adequate accommodation for migrant workers, other than seasonal workers. It examines whether this obligation applies to certain types of permits, what criteria make it possible to define adequate housing, what proof is required in this regard and what possible sanctions are foreseen against employers who don't provide adequate housing. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
migrant worker
accommodation

EMN Conference examines the future of EU legal migration

17/11/2023

The European Migration Network (EMN) held a two-day conference titled ‘Shaping the future of EU legal migration: where are we and where do we want to go?’. The event was part of Spain’s current presidency of the Council of the EU, with a focus on legal migration strategies to attract the talent and skills needed from abroad.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
talent partnership
talent mobility
skills recognition
EU Talent Pool
labour shortage

EMN Spanish Presidency High-Level Conference on legal migration (2 days)

28/09/2023

Organised under the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this conference will bring together policymakers, practitioners, and representatives of industries and worker unions, and allow for meaningful discussions on the current state of labour migration, trends, challenges, and possible solutions.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
labour migration

The European Commission presents a Skills and Talent Mobility package to make the EU more attractive to talent from outside the EU

15/11/2023

The Commission is today presenting a Skills and Talent Mobility package to make the EU more attractive to talent from outside the EU and to facilitate mobility within it. Today's measures include a new EU Talent Pool to match employers in the EU with jobseekers in third countries, as well as measures to promote the recognition of qualifications and learner's mobility. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
EU Talent Pool
talent partnership
skills recognition
mobility

Have a look at the term "labour shortage" in the EMN Asylum and Migration Glossary

14/11/2023

The European Migration Network (EMN) Glossary is an essential resource, which offers an EU-wide multidisciplinary vocabulary of approximately 500 terms and concepts related to asylum and migration. Let's focus today on the term "labour shortage" to make sure we have a common understanding and use of the term!

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
labour shortage
labour market access

Ad Hoc Query on income threshold for a residence permit for employment

10/11/2023

This ad hoc query explores the use of a minimum salary threshold for granting regular residence permits to migrant workers in EMN Member Countries. This overview compares the different amounts, the policymaking and dissemination styles, and the indexation over time. 

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
income threshold
income requirement
residence permit

IOM Belgium and Luxembourg wins the 2023 IOM Innovation Awards in the category of Regular Pathways for the Displaced Talent for Europe (DT4E) project!

25/10/2023

The 2023 Innovation Awards were awarded at the IOM Global Chiefs of Missions Meeting (GCOMM) in Istanbul on 25 October 2023. In the category "Regular Pathways", Displaced Talent for Europe (DT4E), which facilitates skilled migration for displaced talent to respond to labour market shortages, was acknowledged as the changemaker.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
regular pathway
skilled migrants
displaced person
labour market shortage

Ad Hoc Query on fast-track admission procedure for third-country national lorry drivers

18/10/2023

The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic is currently looking into a special program enabling a fast-track admission procedure for third-country national lorry drivers due to the shortage of workers in this field. This ad hoc query examines whether other EMN Member countries experience a shortage of lorry drivers and whether special procedures are in place to facilitate the admission of third-country nationals able to fill these positions.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
fast-track admission procedure
lorry driver
shortage occupation

Ad Hoc Query on access to education and employment for irregularly staying migrants

11/10/2023

In response to the growing awareness of the barriers for irregularly staying adult migrants to access higher education, vocational training and employment, the Netherlands sought to map out existing legislation and practices in other EMN Member countries to facilitate this access.

Theme:
Economic migration
Student Migration
Irregular Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
access to education
access to employment
irregularly staying third-country national

Labour Mobility Pilot Projects in the spotlight at ICMPD event

05/09/2023

The European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium was at the European Parliament today for a presentation on “The Power of Labour Mobility Pilot Projects to Support the EU Legal Migration Reform”, organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
labour mobility
pilot project
Migration Partnership Facility

Flanders expands shortage occupation list

01/09/2023

Flanders has published a new list of medium-skilled shortage occupations open to migration which enters into force today. The new list has been adapted to the current economic reality and labor market situation - it now contains 29 positions.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
shortage occupation
labour market

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