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  • Publications (11)
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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

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 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

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 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

The "white marriage" unit starts operating in Brussels South police area

03/12/2012

A "White Marriages" cell has been created in the Special Laws Division of the Brussels South police area. It has started its activities on 3 december 2012.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
investigation
legal cohabitation
marriage of convenience

Draft legislation to better struggle against marriages and cohabitations of convenience in Belgium

05/10/2012

Maggie De Block, State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Policy, Social Integration and the Fight against Poverty, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Justice, proposed to the Council of Ministers to modify the concerned legislation.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
legal cohabitation
marriage of convenience

Maggie De Block is willing to act against false declarations of parenthood

Photo Maggie De Block

24/08/2012

Secretary of State Maggie De Block (Open VLD) pays attention to misuse of the right to family reunification, more particularly false declarations of parenthood.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
False declaration of parenthood
misuse
fraud

Eurostat statistics on marriages with foreign-born persons in European countries

Logo Eurostat

01/07/2012

Eurostat publishes an edition of 'statistics in focus' on mixed-marriages. By using data from two EU surveys, the percentage of persons in mixed marriage is estimated in 30 European countries over recent years.

Theme:
Family Migration
Data & Statistics
Type:
News item
Keywords:
mixed marriages

Misuse of the right to family reunification (EMN Inform)

Cover EMN Inform

29/06/2012

This EMN Inform presents the main outcomes of the above-titled EMN Focussed Study.

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Informs
Keywords:
Family Reunification Directive
Green paper on Family Reunification

Misuse of the Right to Family Reunification: Marriages of Convenience and False Declarations of Parenthood - EU Synthesis (EMN)

Cover page of EMN synthesis report on Misuse of Family Reunification Right

27/06/2012

Based on the main findings of national contributions from 24 EMN NCP, the report highlights similarities and differences in means of prevention, detection and action, as well as statistics related to marriages of convenience and false declarations of parenthood.

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Thematic Studies
Keywords:
Family Reunification Directive
Green paper on Family Reunification
grey marriage
white marriage

Misuse of the Right to Family Reunification: Marriages of Convenience and False Declarations of Parenthood in Belgium (EMN)

25/04/2012

In this national contribution to the EMN focussed study, the Belgian Contact Point clarifies the scope of the issue and presents national means of prevention, detection and actions against such misuses, as well as statistics in this field.

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Thematic Studies
Keywords:
False declaration of parenthood
marriage of convenience

ERA seminar: Family Reunification Procedures in European Migration Law (2 days)

ERA Logo

06/03/2012

This seminar of the Academy of European Law will provide legal practitioners with an in-depth analysis of the relevant legislative measures, the most recent and important developments in jurisprudence and the impact of European human rights instruments on the issue of familiy reunification.

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
Event
Keywords:
ERA
Family Law

Response of Belgium on Green paper consultation on Family reunification.

Belgian flag

15/03/2012

Belgium responded to the Green paper consultation of the European Commission on the Right to Family Reunification of Third Country Nationals (Directive 2003/86/EC).

Theme:
Family Migration
Type:
News item
Keywords:
Green paper

UNHCR’s Response to the European Commission Green Paper on the Right to Family Reunification

Cover UNHCR's publication

07/03/2012

UNHCR answers questions raised by the European Commission on the Right to Family Reunification of Third Country Nationals. It provides practical recommendations on different issues of concern related to family reunification of beneficiaries of international protection.

Theme:
Family Migration
Keywords:
Family Reunification Directive
refugee

Marriages of convenience: A comparative study

02/02/2012

This report was commissioned by the Norwegian Directoratie of Immigration (UDI) and managed by Econ Pöyry. The study provides an overview of rules and practices in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Theme:
Family Migration
Publication type:
Report
Keywords:
marriages of convenience

Training on Family Reunification from 9:30 to 12:30

12/01/2012

The new law from 8 July 2011 makes family reunification related provisions more complex. This half study day plans to clarify new provisions and their impact on persons whose application is pending or who are temporarily allowed to stay on the territory.

Theme:
Family Migration
Keywords:
legislation

Webinar recordings of "How to respond to the EU Family Reunion Consultation" now available

24/01/2012

The Migration Policy Group publishes the recordings of the webinar presenting the four MPG Family Reunion policy briefings to assist organisations responding to the EU Family Reunion consultation

Theme:
Migration
Family Migration
Keywords:
Migration Policy Group
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