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Ad Hoc Query on removal of third-country nationals from national lists of prohibited persons on the basis of marriage to an EU citizen

15/06/2026

This ad hoc query examines whether third-country nationals (TCNs) who are subject to national entry bans or are included in "Stop Lists" are removed from these lists upon marriage to an EU citizen. It further maps the specific procedures, required documentation, and assessment criteria used by EMN Member Countries to distinguish genuine relationships from marriages of convenience.

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
entry ban
stop list
marriage of convenience
EU citizen

More than 69.000 people acquired Belgian nationality in 2025

10/06/2026

According to figures published by Statbel on 10 June 2026, 69.017 persons acquired Belgian nationality in 2025. The most common previous nationalities among those who became Belgian were Moroccan, Romanian, Syrian, Polish and Italian. Compared to 2024, the number of acquisitions of Belgian nationality increased by almost 9.000.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Belgian nationality
access to nationality

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

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 citizenship granted to foreigners in the EMN Member and Observer Countries (2021-2025)

16/04/2026

This ad hoc query gathers comparative data from EMN Member Countries on the number of citizenships granted annually between 2021 and 2025. It highlights significant disparities in volumes and emerging trends over time, including increases, decreases, or stable patterns. It also provides an overview of the main nationalities acquiring citizenship in selected countries and the different administrative sources used to produce the data.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
acquisition of citizenship

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

Belgian court confirms sponsor’s and partner’s means of subsistence must be taken into account in family reunification applications

02/04/2026

The Belgian Constitutional Court has clarified how the means of subsistence requirement applies in family reunification applications. The ruling establishes that the means of subsistence of both the Belgian sponsor and their partner must be taken into account when assessing compliance with this requirement. Previously, some applications were refused because only the sponsor’s means were considered. The decision aims to ensure compliance with principles of equality, non-discrimination, and respect for family life.

 

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Constitutional Court
application for family reunification
income requirement
partner's income

EU+ asylum applications decreased by one fifth in 2025, according to EUAA

03/03/2026

According to the Latest Asylum Trends 2025 published by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), EU+ countries received approximately 822.000 applications for international protection in 2025, representing a 19 % decrease compared to 2024. Despite the overall decline, demand for protection remained significant in some groups and countries.

 

Theme:
International Protection
Temporary protection
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Latest Asylum Trends
EUAA
asylum applications
recognition rate
pending cases
displaced person
Ukraine
New Pact on Migration and Asylum

Latest Asylum Trends 2025 (EUAA)

03/03/2026

The Latest Asylum Trends 2025 provides an annual overview of asylum activity in EU+ countries, covering asylum applications (per capita), the main nationalities of applicants, the top receiving countries, recognition rates, pending cases and the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection following the war in Ukraine. It also reviews policy developments in the EU+ and provides a 2026 outlook, examining, inter alia, geopolitical uncertainty and latent displacement risks.

Theme:
International Protection
Temporary protection
Publication type:
Report
Keywords:
Latest Asylum Trends
EUAA
asylum applications
recognition rate
pending cases
displaced person
Ukraine
New Pact on Migration and Asylum

Belgian court annuls nationality revocations for children of Palestinian origin

27/02/2026

The Antwerp Family Court has annulled the decisions of local civil registry officials that sought to revoke the Belgian nationality of children born in Belgium to Palestinian parents. In five rulings issued on 27 February 2026, the court emphasised that depriving these children of nationality would be contrary to their best interests.

Theme:
Statelessness
Citizenship & Nationality
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Belgian nationality
misuse
withdrawal
Palestinian
child
best interests of the child

Ad Hoc Query on specifics of the procedure for family reunification

27/02/2026

This ad hoc query shines light on the practices applicable in EMN Member Countries regarding applications for family reunification by third-country nationals and their family members who enjoy visa-free travel for short-stays in the EU, in the context of the implementation of the Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC).

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
application for family reunification
sponsor
residence permit
visa-free travel

Belgian Constitutional Court temporarily suspends stricter reception and family reunification rules

26/02/2026

The Belgian Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended legislative measures introduced in 2025 that tightened rules on material reception conditions for asylum seekers and family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. The suspensions concern two separate laws, and the Court has referred several preliminary questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to clarify their compatibility with EU law.

Theme:
Reception
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Constitutional Court
suspension
limitation
material reception condition
family reunification
beneficiary of subsidiary protection

Over 101.500 Ukrainians received temporary protection in Belgium

24/02/2026

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Belgium has granted more than 101.500 temporary protection certificates to people fleeing the conflict. Today, around 70.600 of these displaced Ukrainians remain in the country. While the temporary protection scheme has been extended until March 2027, uncertainty remains over what will happen afterwards, raising questions for both the authorities and Ukrainian beneficiaries.

Theme:
Temporary protection
Type:
News item
Keywords:
beneficiary of temporary protection
accommodation
transition
legal status
voluntary return
reintegration

EMN Belgium attends mutual learning seminar on transitioning out of temporary protection

19/02/2026

On 19 February 2026, EMN Belgium attended a Mutual Learning Seminar organised by ECRE (European Council on Refugees and Exiles) within the framework of the INNOVATE project, supported by EU funding under the Horizon 2020 programme.Held in Brussels, the seminar brought together experts, civil society representatives and policymakers to assess the state of preparedness across EU Member States for transitioning out of temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive, currently extended until March 2027.

Theme:
Temporary protection
Type:
News item
Keywords:
beneficiary of temporary protection
transition
legal status
voluntary return
reintegration

25 organisations challenge new family reunification law before Constitutional Court

05/02/2026

Twenty-five organisations have submitted a petition to the Belgian Constitutional Court challenging the new family reunification law, which entered into force in August 2025. The petition highlights concerns that the law creates barriers that may prevent families from reuniting, potentially separating children from their parents indefinitely.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
family reunification law
access to family reunification
petition
Constitutional Court

Ad Hoc Query on passing Iraqi citizenship to a child born abroad

24/01/2026

This ad hoc query inquires about experiences and practices across EMN Member and Observer Countries when confronted to cases of children born on their territory to an Iraqi mother, and maps provisions in place to prevent these children being born stateless if Iraqi citizenship cannot be passed.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
nationality
acquisition of citizenship
Iraq
child

Ad Hoc Query on (planned) projects aimed at fostering the connection of BoTPs to Ukraine

19/01/2026

This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries are developing or considering initiatives to maintain and strengthen the connections between beneficiaries of temporary protection displaced from Ukraine and their country of origin. It aims to map projects that support continued engagement with Ukraine, including information provision to enable informed decisions about possible return. The query also explores whether such initiatives contribute to future recovery and sustainable reintegration.

Theme:
Temporary protection
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
beneficiary of temporary protection
connection
Ukraine
reintegration

Ad Hoc Query on determining citizenship of third-country nationals

18/01/2026

This ad hoc query maps existing legislation and practices across EMN Member and Observer Countries with regard to the determination of the nationality of third-country nationals, including documentation required. Questions are also asked on the registration of nationalities of children born on their territory to third-country national parents.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
nationality
determination
foreign national
documentary proof

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

Myria highlights concerns over proposed automatic loss of Belgian nationality

12/01/2026

On 12 January 2026, Myria issued a press release regarding a joint opinion with the Federal Institute for Human Rights (IFDH) on a draft law concerning the automatic loss of Belgian nationality. The joint opinion raises concerns over the significant expansion of offences and individuals affected, including dual nationals and Belgian-born citizens. Myria and IFDH highlight potential conflicts with equality, procedural safeguards, and fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence. The press release draws attention to the consequences for residence rights and the need for thorough judicial review.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Belgian nationality
loss of nationality
residence
dual national
criminal offence
fundamental right

Ad Hoc Query on the recognition of Palestine as a State

05/01/2026

This ad hoc query maps the status of recognition of Palestine as a sovereign State across EMN Member Countries and the resulting administrative practices regarding statelessness and citizenship for individuals originating from the Palestinian territories. 

Theme:
Statelessness
Citizenship & Nationality
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
Palestine
State
statehood
recognition
citizenship
stateless persons

EMN Hungary Conference: Different regional solutions to the challenges of temporary protection

25/11/2025

The EMN Hungary Conference will explore how EU temporary protection frameworks are evolving and how these changes are implemented in practice across Central Europe. It aims to connect high-level policy developments with on-the-ground realities for displaced persons and host communities. The conference will examine potential transitions from the EU temporary protection regime and highlight regional practices, challenges, and successful approaches.

Theme:
Temporary protection
Type:
Event
Keywords:
temporary protection
Central Europe
displaced person
host community

Ad Hoc Query on challenges and opportunities in the use of digital services in legal migration procedures

14/12/2025

This ad hoc query, which informed the preparation of an EMN Inform, collected information on how EMN Member and Observer Countries have adapted digital services in legal migration procedures to ensure accessibility and inclusion for applicants with disabilities and digitally disadvantaged applicants. It examined compliance with relevant EU and international frameworks, as well as national legislation. It also explored additional accessibility measures, support for users with special needs, GDPR safeguards, user involvement in service design, and approaches to digital disadvantage, alongside challenges and good practices identified by countries.

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

Ad Hoc Query on the procedures for examining applications for citizenship based on language proficiency and citizenship tests

14/12/2025

This ad hoc query maps the use of both language tests and citizenship tests in the requirements to obtain citizenship across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Information is provided on the language levels, topics tested, and institutions responsible for examining applications, with a particular focus on the testing of adherence to the country’s fundamental values.

Theme:
Citizenship & Nationality
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
access to citizenship
access to nationality
language test
citizenship test
fundamental values

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