Publication date: 04 June 2026
This Inform, covering developments across 22 EMN Member Countries, as well as Norway and Serbia, explores the use of alternatives to providing in-kind housing for applicants for international protection between January 2020 and October 2025. It examines how such measures were implemented while respecting legal obligations and supporting applicants’ autonomy, addressing their vulnerability, and promoting their integration into society. The Inform focuses on financial allowances and vouchers as alternatives to accommodation provided directly by the state and highlights national approaches and innovative solutions identified across participating countries.
Read more
Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: applicant for international protection, reception condition, financial allowance, voucher, reception directive
Publication date: 27 May 2026
This Inform, updated on the basis of national contributions from 28 EMN Member and Observer Countries, provides an overview of recent developments and policy approaches in the field of statelessness, with a cut-off date of 31 October 2025. It forms part of the EMN Platform on Statelessness series, building on previous Informs published in 2016, 2020 and 2023.
Read more
Main theme: Statelessness
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: stateless persons, undetermined nationality, statelessness determination, statelessness determination procedure, residence permit, unaccompanied minors
Publication date: 27 May 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries experience irregular occupancy within their reception systems. It explores whether countries have mechanisms that allow individuals in the reception system to save part of their income to facilitate access to independent housing, or whether direct financial support is provided. The query also considers whether countries have mechanisms for individuals who unjustifiably refuse to leave the reception system, as well as any financial reimbursement mechanisms for costs incurred when an individual remains irregularly.
Read more
Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, irregular occupancy, outflow to housing, access to housing, reception cost
Publication date: 26 May 2026
The European Migration Network's Asylum and Migration Overview (AMO) 2025 provides an overview of legal and policy developments at both EU and national levels, covering various migration and asylum topics, complemented by Eurostat statistics and national data, for the period January to December 2025.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: annual report
Publication date: 12 May 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration, Family reunification, Study § Training, Citizenship & Nationality, Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: legal migration, digitalisation, accessibility, inclusion
Publication date: 08 May 2026
This ad hoc query maps how EMN Member and Observer Countries address the legal status and documentation of children born on their territory to legally residing Belarusian parents who are unable to obtain a national passport following the adoption of Decree No. 278 of the Republic of Belarus.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Belarusian child, passport, travel document, legal status, application for a residence permit
Publication date: 06 May 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: migrant worker, employment agency, recruitment fee, fair recruitment
Publication date: 06 May 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: temporary residence permit, real estate, investment, rental
Publication date: 30 April 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: third-country nationals, qualifications, skills recognition, regulated profession
Publication date: 30 April 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration, Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Schengen visa, visa-free travel, single permit, migrant worker
Publication date: 27 April 2026
This EMNews, the quarterly newsletter of the European Migration Network (EMN), offers an overview of EU and national developments in asylum and migration policy, as well as key statistics and related EMN publications for the period of January-March 2026.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Publication Type: EMNews
Keywords: EMNews, Newsletter, EMN
Publication date: 16 April 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.
Read more
Main theme: Citizenship & Nationality
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: acquisition of citizenship
Publication date: 16 April 2026
This Inform maps national approaches to the safe country of origin (SCO) and safe third country (STC) concepts, in the context of the forthcoming Asylum Procedure Regulation applicable from June 2026. It compares legislation, policies and practices governing the designation and application of SCOs and STCs, including the use of national lists, ad hoc assessments and accelerated asylum procedures. The analysis was prepared on the basis of contributions from 26 EMN Member and Observer Countries.
Read more
Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: safe country of origin, safe third country, list, assessment, accelerated procedure, asylum procedure directive
Publication date: 10 April 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration, Family reunification, Study § Training
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for a residence permit, medical examination, medical certificate
Publication date: 10 April 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries plan to change their age assessment procedures in light of Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 on multidisciplinary age assessments. It explores which authorities or external providers are involved in the procedure, and how multidisciplinary teams carry out the assessment in practice. The query also covers how applicants are interviewed and how conclusions are drawn and communicated.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, minor, age assessment, multidisciplinary approach
Publication date: 05 April 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.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: residence permit, work permit, seafarer, crew
Publication date: 27 March 2026
The report provides an in‑depth overview of Belgium’s status for smuggling victims, highlighting its objectives, legal framework, and practical implementation. It examines how the status is applied, who benefits from it, and the operational challenges encountered. The publication also identifies gaps in data collection and coordination between agencies. Finally, it offers evidence‑based recommendations to strengthen victim protection and improve the overall effectiveness of the system.
Read more
Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: victim of smuggling, status, Belgium, victim protection
Publication date: 24 March 2026
This ad hoc query inquires about the legal framework and practices of EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the renewal of residence permits of third-country nationals.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: residence permit, document validity, renewal, digitalisation
Publication date: 19 March 2026
This ad hoc query inquires about the differences in access to social assistance benefits for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection in EMN Member Countries. Additionally, it looks at the reasons given for these differences in access to social assistance benefits and considers whether there are any plans or proposals to introduce further distinctions in access for these groups in the near future.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: beneficiary of international protection, beneficiary of temporary protection, social assistance, social assistance benefit, social welfare system
Publication date: 18 March 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries have age assessment procedures in place, how these procedures are conducted, and which actors are responsible. It also explores the challenges encountered and how they are addressed. Finally, it examines whether the respondent countries plan to introduce a new procedure or amend an existing one in the near future.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: minor, age assessment, medical examination, multidisciplinary approach
Publication date: 12 March 2026
This study examines skills matching for migrants in Belgium as part of a broader European-level analysis conducted within the framework of the EMN. It focuses on how policies and initiatives align migrants’ qualifications and skills with labour market needs. The analysis considers both vertical and horizontal mismatches, where skills or fields of study do not correspond to job requirements. It identifies key challenges, as well as lessons learned and good practices, in supporting sustainable labour market integration through improved skills matching.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: labour market integration, third country national, migrants' skills, matching, mismatch, qualification, language requirement, skills recognition, gender
Publication date: 11 March 2026
This ad hoc query explores whether national legislation provides for a formal decision extending the transfer deadline that is distinct from the transfer decision, and whether such a decision may be appealed. It also maps existing legal provisions on absconding in connection with the extension of transfer deadlines and gathers information on national practices when an applicant absconds and subsequently reappears.
Read more
Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Dublin Regulation, Dublin transfer, time limit, absconding
Publication date: 04 March 2026
The report compiles available figures for the period 2015–2024 and examines how data are recorded, shared and used. It provides a clearer statistical basis for understanding the situation of minors at risk of trafficking and aggravated forms of smuggling, while identifying structural gaps in current data systems.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Data & Statistics, Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: victim of trafficking, victim of smuggling, minor, data collection, figures
Publication date: 27 February 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).
Read more
Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, sponsor, residence permit, visa-free travel
Publication date: 21 February 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether accommodation centres are included in spatial planning regulations in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and whether exceptions apply during periods of significant increases in asylum applications. It also looks at possible exceptions to zoning rules, environmental impact assessments, and the duration of construction and operative permits. Finally, it explores whether countries have formal guidance or standards for establishing such centres, including aspects like room sizes or site location.
