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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

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

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 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

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

5.925 persons obtained Belgian nationality in September 2025, according to Statbel

11/12/2025

According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 5.925 persons obtained Belgian nationality in September 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in September are Morocco, Romania, Syria, Poland and Italy.

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

Myria presents the latest data on family reunification in Belgium

27/11/2025

Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, has published a new thematic report on the right to family life as part of its annual report "Migration in Figures and Rights 2025". The report provides updated data on first residence permits and visas for family reasons. It also examines recent legislative reforms, which Myria stresses will need close monitoring due to their potential impact on access to family reunification, integration outcomes, and the risk of poverty.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
family life
first residence permit
family reunification visa

The Federal Ombudsman recommends reviewing the in-person requirement for visa applications

25/11/2025

The Federal Ombudsman has highlighted persistent challenges for individuals required to submit visa applications in person at Belgian diplomatic or consular posts. These requirements can create significant financial, administrative, and security burdens, particularly for applicants living far from a competent post or in conflict-affected regions. The Ombudsman recommends reviewing visa submission procedures to improve accessibility and consistency.

Theme:
Family Migration
Borders & Visa
Type:
News item
Keywords:
visa application
diplomatic post
consular post
submission
Afrin

4.859 persons obtained Belgian nationality in August 2025, according to Statbel

19/11/2025

According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 4.859 persons obtained Belgian nationality in August 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in August are Morocco, Syria, Romania, Poland and France.

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

Ad Hoc Query on procedures for providing missing or supplementary information in application processes

10/11/2025

This ad hoc query examines whether national procedures allow or require immigration officers to request missing or additional information from applicants for legal migration after an initially incomplete application, and, if so, under what circumstances, to what extent, and within which deadlines.

Theme:
Economic migration
Family Migration
Student Migration
Publication type:
Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords:
legal migration
application for a residence permit
missing information

Belgium repatriates 75 people from Gaza under family reunification

27/10/2025

On Monday, Belgium repatriated 75 people from the Gaza Strip. They arrived at Ostend airport in the afternoon. Belgian authorities report that around 850 eligible individuals have already been evacuated from Gaza. About 150 people remain on the list awaiting evacuation.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Gaza
evacuation
family member
Belgian
refugee
stateless persons

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