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  • Publications (19)
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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

Third country workers should enjoy equal treatment as regards family allowances, according to the CJEU

19/12/2024

In a recent judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union stated that a Member State cannot exclude from the benefit of family allowances a foreign worker whose children, born in a third country, cannot prove that they have entered its territory lawfully.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
migrant worker
equal treatment
social security
family benefits
minor

EMN Estonia and IOM Estonia joint conference: ´EUs Labour Dilemma: Finding Balance Between Local and Migrant Workers”

03/10/2024

This conference, organised jointly by EMN Estonia and IOM Estonia, focuses on labour shortages in the EU. It will offer insights into sustainable strategies to balance local labour demands while remaining competitive and attractive to migrant workers.

 

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
labour market
skills shortage
skilled workers
mobility partnership
local labour
competitiveness

Ad Hoc Query on forged documents for the acquisition of a digital nomad residence permit

03/12/2024

This ad hoc query maps the schemes in place across EMN Member and Observer Countries to issue residence permits for so-called “digital nomads”, or persons who work remotely for an employer registered outside of their country of residence. Emphasis is placed on the issue of the use of forged documents in the applications for such permits.

Theme:
Economic migration
Irregular Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
residence permit
digital nomad
forged document

Ad Hoc Query on visas and the right to work

30/11/2024

This ad hoc query examines national regulations and practices concerning the employment of third-country nationals during short stays or visa-free stays, as well as the procedures in place to issue long-stay D-visas for the purpose of employment.

Theme:
Economic migration
Borders & Visa
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
short-stay visa
long-stay visa
right to work
access to employment

Posted workers from and to Belgium: Facts and figures (HIVA – KU Leuven)

01/11/2024

This country report for Belgium prepared in the frame of the POSTING.STAT 2.0 project, examines the characteristics, the scale, and the impact of intra-EU posting from and to Belgium as well as the characteristics and the scale of infringements which are related to it.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Report
Keywords:
labour mobility
posted worker
investigation
infringement

EMN Italy Conference: Supporting legal migration for better integration and better development of relations with third countries

26/07/2024

EMN Italy organises a national conference laying focus on attracting international talent and skilled labor and on fostering co-development between Member States and third countries. Through an exchange of experiences and best practices, the legal framework and challenges in this matter will be discussed.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
talent mobility
skilled migrants

Ad Hoc Query on employment and recruitment agencies

17/10/2024

This ad hoc query examines whether the legislation of the responding EMN Member Countries allows employment agencies to hire third-country nationals on behalf of their clients. Where this is allowed, the query further investigates the legal framework that enables it, as well as how these agencies are monitored and what restrictions are in place to prevent potential misuse.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
employment agency
recruitment agency
safeguard
exploitation
labour inspection

Ad Hoc Query on labour market tests

06/10/2024

This ad hoc query examines whether the EMN Member Countries implement a labour market test to regulate the employment of third-country nationals. Where a labour market test is implemented, details are provided on the procedure, the exemptions, the criteria for a negative decision, and the possible challenges.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
migrant worker
labour market access
labour market test
skills mobility
foreign workers

Ad Hoc Query on posted workers

06/10/2024

This ad hoc query collects information on national regulations and practices regarding third-country national posted workers, with a focus on additional conditions for the hiring of posted workers (e.g. need to submit a motivated notification to extend the period of employment, sector-specific requirements etc.) and measures to facilitate recruitment in specific sectors or occupations.

Theme:
Economic migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
posted worker
labour market need
labour shortage

Posting has become an important factor of mobility for third-country nationals, according to Myria

30/09/2024

Myria has published the fourth thematic section of its 2024 annual report. In this section, entitled « Economic migration, free movement and students » Myria notes that more third-country nationals were posted to Belgium in 2023 than in 2022. Posted workers from third countries are more vulnerable to exploitation than EU-based posted workers. Therefore, they urgently need increased legal protection, according to Myria.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
migrant worker
posted worker
exploitation

EMN Belgium contributes to the 8th Conference on Migration Research in Austria

19/09/2024

On 19 September 2024, EMN Belgium presented the findings of its national contribution to the upcoming EMN Study on the Illegal Employment of Third-Country Nationals (2017-2022), in a comparative perspective with the national contributions from EMN Austria and EMN Italy.

Theme:
Economic migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
illegal employment
third-country nationals
low-skilled workers
chain liability
irregularly staying third-country national

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