In this edition of EMNews, the following news are inter alia highlighted:

• General developments: On 29 January, the European Commission presented the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, which sets out the EU’s political objectives on asylum and migration, with concrete priorities for the next five years.
   
• Legal migration: On 28 January, the Luxembourg Minister for the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, together with the Minister of Labour, presented the new national portal and the Talent Desk, designed to attract international talent. These initiatives are part of the Government’s strategy to attract, retain and develop the skills essential to the competitiveness and innovation of the Luxembourg economy.
   
• International protection including asylum: On 26 March, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) announced that it will temporarily suspend the processing of asylum applications from Iran for six months. The Minister has imposed a six-month moratorium on decisions and returns. During this period, there will also be no forced returns of rejected asylum seekers to Iran. 
   
• Unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups: On 1 January, an amendment to Article 88a of the Polish Act on Granting Protection to Foreigners enabling the detention of unaccompanied minors who have applied for international protection came into force. Previously, such detention was strictly prohibited. 
   
• Integration and inclusion: In line with Malta’s Labour Migration Policy and Integration Strategy, pre-departure integration measures have been developed and launched. The programme covers life and integration in Malta, as well as rights and obligations at the workplace. The curriculum, developed with the Institute for Tourism Studies and the University of Malta, went live in January 2026.
   
• Citizenship and statelessness: As of 1 January, new rules apply to third-country nationals seeking long-term residence in France. Applicants for a first multi-year residence permit or a first resident card must now provide proof that they have passed a civic examination and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in French (A2 for the multi-year permit and B1 for the resident card). 
   
• Border management and irregular migration: Since 1 January, wellbeing services counties are not obligated to provide essential non‑urgent healthcare services to third‑country nationals who are residing or staying irregularly in Finland. Care must still be provided if denying it would be unreasonable or would seriously endanger another person. 
   
• Trafficking in human beings: Since January, a new Office for Policies Against Human Trafficking and Severe Exploitation has been established in Italy following the reorganisation of the Department for Equal Opportunities. The Office is responsible for coordinating prevention measures, combating trafficking and supporting victims. 
   
• Return and readmission: In Sweden, new legislative amendments and a new regulation entered into force substantially increasing the financial grant for voluntary repatriation. The new rules set the grant at 350 000 SEK (approx. EUR 32 100) per adult, with a maximum of 600 000 SEK (approx EUR 55 500) per family, and provide the Migration Agency with additional tools to prevent abuse.
   
• Migration and development: On 4 March, Estonia, together with Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine, signed an agreement to prevent corruption and misuse of funds in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The initiative focuses on strengthening transparency, cooperation and oversight, including in the use of international and EU financial support. 

For detailed news, please read the EMNews attached above.