Background: 

As part of an ongoing comprehensive review of its national immigration framework, Latvia is evaluating the effectiveness of its legal migration management tools. Currently, Latvia does not use a quota system; instead, it manages migration through sector-specific average wage requirements and employer compliance monitoring. However, structural changes in immigration flows, rising numbers of third-country workers, and growing administrative and enforcement pressures have prompted Latvian policymakers to assess the potential introduction of quantitative limits (quotas) on temporary residence permits and long-term visas. To ensure any adjustments are evidence-based and aligned with international best practices, Latvia launched this query to gather detailed information on other countries' practices and regulatory arrangements.

Respondents: 

26 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

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

• The implementation and scope of quota systems vary significantly among countries. General quota frameworks, partially targeting economic migration, are operated by AT, EE, HU, IT, and LT. Other countries do not use general quotas but apply limits to specific pathways like bilateral agreements, youth mobility, or specialised visa schemes (CZ, FR, DE, IE, NL, SK). Conversely, a large group of countries does not impose any quantitative restrictions (BE, HR, CY, FI, LV, LU, MT, PL, PT, SI, ES, SE). Some of these do confirm that legislative provisions are in place to introduce quotas under specific security or economic conditions (PL, SI).
   
• Target groups and sectoral restrictions are designed to address specific labour market needs and policy objectives. Where quotas apply, they most frequently target seasonal workers, low-skilled labour, or sectors suffering from labour shortages like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare (AT, DE, EL, IE, IT). Some countries use quotas to restrict low- or medium-skilled immigration channels while deliberately exempting highly qualified professionals (CZ, EE, IE).
   
• Quota establishment methodologies and institutional responsibilities are typically driven by executive decision-making and stakeholder consultation. Quotas are usually established via government regulations or decrees, heavily informed by empirical labour market data and employer demands (AT, CZ, EE, EL, IT, LT, SK). Setting these limits often involves cross-departmental coordination and consultations with social partners, employers' organisations, and trade unions (AT, CZ, DE, EL, IE, LT). While many systems review and adjust their quotas on an annual basis, others employ more flexible, non-periodic review cycles.

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.