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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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).
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
20/12/2013
Today, 20 December 2013, the Circular of 13 December 2013 implementing family reunification provisions, as interpreted by the Constitutional Court on 26 September 2013, was published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
15/11/2013
On 14 November 2013, Maggie De Block, Annemie Turtelboom and Joëlle Milquet have approved a new measure in the fight against marriages of convenience, that should tackle 'shopping' between municipalities.
15/11/2013
On 14 November, Maggie De Block, Annemie Turtelboom and Joëlle Milquet have launched a new campaign in the fight against relations of convenience. Victims are supported and stimulated to actively contribute to fight this phenomenon.
15/10/2013
24/09/2013
16 Member States provided detailed information and statistical data on their requirements for marriage and suspected marriages of convenience. This query was launched by the UK EMN NCP.
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03/07/2013
This very first edition of the IOM Brussels Country Office (CO) Year Report will give you a brief overview of activities undertaken in 2012 allowing a focus on specific areas of interest linked to the Belgian and Luxembourg migration context and more broadly to the European and global context.
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14/06/2013
The annual "activity report" 2012 of the Immigration Office is available.
13/05/2013
This study was conducted within the framework of the National Action Plan against violence between partners and other forms of domestic violence.
27/03/2013
This paper maps the marital choices of persons with a migratory background in Belgium, with a focus on populations of Moroccan and Turkish origin.
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12/03/2013
This study, coordinated by the Immigrant Council of Ireland and supported by the European Integration Fund, answers the question to what extent certain family reunification policies hinder or promote reunification with TCN family members and also their integration
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07/03/2013
22 Member States provide information on whether or not and under what conditions they grant a right to family reunification to unmarried partners whose relationship or partnership is not considered as equivalent to marriage.
01/03/2013
The LGBT Intergroup is organising a seminar on the free movement of LGBT families, and the obstacles they face when moving around the EU.
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21/02/2013
The European Commission is asking Belgium to further facilitate the entry and residence of non-EU family members of Union citizens in accordance with Directive 2004/38/EC.
08/02/2013
The Commission published in May 2012 a summary of the responses received on its public consultation on family reunification. Background information, state of play and case law regarding this directive can be found here.
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03/01/2013
This EMN Inform summarises the main developments in 2011 in legal migration and mobility. Topics addressed include statistics, promoting legal migration channels, economic, family Reunification and integration.