Background:

This ad hoc query was launched prior to a REG workshop, facilitated by EMN Belgium and the Belgian Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil). The workshop aimed to foster connections between national authorities, local administrations and civil society organisations (CSOs) to seek durable solutions for undocumented migrants.

The ad hoc query made it possible to:

• Identify EMN Member Countries which had frameworks and experiences in facilitating cooperation between the above-mentioned actors to meet the needs of undocumented migrants who either left the formal reception system or remain unidentified by immigration authorities.
• Explore counselling processes and methods developed for "hard to reach" undocumented migrants for whom return or other durable solutions must be sought.

Respondents:

In total 22 EMN Member Countries replied to the ad hoc query (including BE).

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• The majority of respondents note the absence of structured frameworks facilitating cooperation between national authorities, local authorities, and civil society organizations to address the needs of undocumented migrants who have either left the formal reception system or remain unidentified by immigration authorities.
   
• Although most respondents report a lack of structured frameworks, this does not imply a universal absence of collaboration. For instance, in countries such as CY, CZ, and IT, civil society organizations (CSOs) have been actively involved in implementing projects to reach out to undocumented migrants, with various initiatives focused on case resolution.
   
• BE and NL mentioned the utilization of specific counselling methods tailored for long-term undocumented migrants.

For further information, please read the compilation of answers above.