18 December is the International Migrants Day. On 18 December 2014, the Federal Migration Center organized pedagogical and interactive activities while several labour unions and civil society organizations called for more rights for labour migrants

Syria neighbouring States are increasingly affected by the number of refugees seeking sanctuary within their country. The European Commission is stepping up its assistance to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon to contribute to address Syrian refugees’ needs.

On 4 December 2014, 22 Syrian refugees landed in Belgium for resettlement. 53 more are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Further resettlements of Syrian refugees are planned in 2015.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a case-law in relation to international protection and protection of human rights in the case of alleged persecutions because of an applicant's sexual orientation.

The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, aims at clarifying Member States’ responsibilities for examining the application for international protection of unaccompanied minors

Since 13 November 2014 and until May 2015, Belgium is chairing the Committee of Ministers, the political decision making organ of the Council of Europe. Under the Belgian Presidency, migration and asylum will be part of the issues tackled.

Eurostat published data on first residence permits issued to non-EU nationals. A residence permit represents an authorization issued by the competent authorities of a country allowing third-country national (non-EU citizens) to stay legally on its territory.

The European Commission published on 26 September 2014 a handbook to help EU Member States take action against marriages of convenience between EU citizens and non-EU nationals in the context of EU law on free movement. The Commission prepared the handbook in close cooperation with Member States.

The consultation, which runs over 12 weeks and closes on 3 July 2014, allows a wide range of stakeholders and organizations to contribute to the development of guidance on integrated child protection systems.

This conference focuses on sharing experiences and promising practices to improve the work of professionals dealing with unaccompanied minors and children on the move, in regards to two key aspects: the needs assessment and family tracing.

The King Baudouin Foundation aims to reduce vulnerability amongst newcomers settling in Belgium through marriage. Associations working on marriage migration related challenges are invited to submit possible projects before 16 April 2014.

De Europese Commissie stelt richtsnoeren voor met het oog op een correcte toepassing van de richtlijn inzake gezinshereniging (2003/86/EG) over de lidstaten heen alsook met het oog op het tegengaan van eventuele misbruiken.

In een mededeling die vandaag verspreid werd, stelt de Commissie richtsnoeren op over de toepassing van de Richtlijn 2003/86/EG. De Lidstaten worden uitgenodigd om hun beoordelingsmarge te gebruiken op een manier die de doelstelling van de richtlijn niet ondermijnt.

De nieuwe maatregelen maken de informatie uitwisseling omtrent schijnrelaties en vermoedens over schijnrelaties verplicht vanaf 3 april 2014.

De Dienst Rechtsbescherming van Foyer organiseert een seminarie van een halve dag (Brussels Platform) over de nieuwe wet in de strijd tegen schijnhuwelijk en schijn-wettelijke samenwoning.