Provides a comprehensive overview of key legal and policy developments and statistical trends in migration and asylum across the European Union (EU) and associated countries. It highlights important progress in managing migration flows while addressing humanitarian needs despite challenges such as the Ukraine conflict and increasing irregular migration.

Key Developments and Trends

• Pact on Migration and Asylum: A significant milestone in 2023 was the political agreement on the Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted in 2024. This pact aims to secure external borders, protect individual rights, and prevent any EU Member State from facing undue pressure alone.
• Asylum Applications: In 2023, the EU saw over one million first-time asylum applications, marking the highest level since 2016. This surge led to measures to increase the efficiency of asylum procedures and ease the pressure on reception facilities.
• Irregular Migration: There was a notable increase in irregular migration, with approximately 380,000 illegal border crossings detected—a 17% rise from 2022 and levels not seen since 2015-2016. In response, EMN Member Countries enhanced border management and implemented strategies to combat smuggling and irregular migration.

Response to the Ukraine Crisis

The EU extended temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine until March 2025, later prolonging it until March 2026. Approximately 4.3 million individuals benefited from this protection, with efforts focused on integration through housing, education, and labor market access.

Policy Initiatives

• Digitalization Efforts: In line with the EU-wide Entry/Exit System and the European Interoperability Framework, several countries advanced digitalization initiatives, including new visa application procedures and digitalized residence permit issuance.
• Talent Attraction: Attracting skilled labor remained a priority. Many countries simplified admission procedures for unskilled workers and facilitated mobility for students and researchers. The EU Talent Pool was introduced to connect employers with job seekers from non-EU countries.

Inclusivity and Protection

Efforts continued to address issues such as racism, discrimination, trafficking, and support for vulnerable groups like unaccompanied minors and LGBTIQ individuals. These included training, awareness campaigns, cross-border cooperation, and legislative changes.

Overview

1.Overview of Key Developments in Migration and Asylum In EMN Member and Observer Countries In 2023

Analyzes the significant legal and policy developments regarding migration and asylum across EMN Member and Observer Countries. It illustrates a proactive and multifaceted approach by EMN Member and Observer Countries in addressing the challenges of migration and asylum in 2023. The emphasis on integration, protection of vulnerable groups, international cooperation, and responsive measures to crises reflects a commitment to enhancing the well-being of migrants and ensuring effective migration management.

Integration Initiatives

Nearly all EMN Member and Observer Countries launched comprehensive initiatives to support third-country nationals’ integration, implementing educational programs to enhance skills development, streamlining the recognition of foreign qualifications, and expanding access to essential social services like housing and healthcare. Additionally, countries introduced action plans to combat discrimination, creating a more inclusive environment for migrants.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Protecting trafficking victims and unaccompanied minors remained a critical policy priority, with EMN Member and Observer Countries implementing comprehensive measures, including law enforcement training, enhanced cross-border cooperation to combat trafficking networks, strengthened legal protections for victims, and improved safeguarding mechanisms for unaccompanied minors to ensure their access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

International Partnerships

Most EMN Member and Observer Countries established or reinforced international partnerships with third countries to address various migration-related issues, focusing on three key areas: enhancing border management and preventing irregular migration flows, strengthening cooperation on return and readmission agreements, and developing frameworks for legal migration pathways that facilitate the mobility of students and researchers.

• Germany’s Revamped Centers for Migration and Development: These centers aim to enhance collaboration with several third-world countries to manage migration effectively.
• Ukraine’s Legislative Work: Ukraine engaged with various countries to strengthen its legislative framework on readmission, reflecting its commitment to managing migration flows responsibly.

Response to the Ukraine Crisis

Highlights the ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, where many EMN Member and Observer Countries adopted temporary protection measures to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, implementing expedited asylum procedures, providing access to social services, and developing integration programs tailored to those fleeing the conflict.

2. Legal Migration

Provides a detailed overview of the legal migration landscape across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Underscores the proactive steps EMN Member and Observer Countries took to enhance legal migration pathways, address labor market needs, and promote the integration of migrants into society. The focus on legislative reforms, targeted programs, and international cooperation reflects a commitment to managing migration in a structured and humane manner.

Trends in Legal Migration

Highlights a growing trend among EMN Member and Observer Countries to facilitate legal migration pathways in response to labor shortages and demographic challenges, with countries increasingly recognizing the importance of skilled migration in supporting economic growth and addressing workforce demands.

Legislative Developments

Several countries introduced or amended legislation to streamline third-country nationals’ entry and residence conditions, notably through two key directives: Directive (EU) 2021/1883, which simplifies procedures for highly qualified workers, and the Single Permit Directive (agreed upon in December 2023), which streamlines admission procedures for all third-country workers seeking to work and reside in EU Member States.

Facilitation of Entry for Specific Categories

Many countries implemented measures to facilitate the entry and stay of various categories of workers, mainly focusing on attracting international students and researchers for their contributions to innovation and knowledge transfer while also developing targeted programs to address labor shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and agriculture.

Bilateral Agreements

Notes that several EMN Member and Observer Countries engaged in bilateral agreements with third countries to manage legal migration flows effectively. These agreements often focus on labor migration and aim to create structured pathways for workers from specific countries.

Integration Measures

Alongside legal migration initiatives, countries emphasized the importance of integration measures for migrants. This includes access to language courses, vocational training, and support services to help migrants adapt to their new environments.

Challenges and Considerations

Addresses key challenges in legal migration, emphasizing the need for policies that balance labor market responsiveness with migrant rights protection while maintaining effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation and ensure compliance with labor standards.

3. International Protection

Reviews developments in international protection across EMN Member and Observer Countries in 2023, highlighting key changes in asylum policies and practices. Emphasizes procedural safeguards, reception conditions, and coordinated responses to increased asylum applications, balancing the protection of asylum seekers’ rights with operational challenges.

Rising Asylum Applications

Notes a significant increase in first-time asylum applications in the EU and Norway, surpassing one million for the first time since the 2015-2016 migration crisis. This surge reflects ongoing global conflicts and humanitarian crises, prompting more individuals to seek international protection.

Focus on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum

The finalization of negotiations on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum was a central focus at the EU level in 2023. This pact aims to create a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to migration and asylum, addressing asylum seekers’ needs and the challenges the Member States face.

Procedural Safeguards

Emphasizes key procedural safeguards in the asylum process, ensuring applicants receive adequate information about their rights and procedures while having access to legal counseling and representation to help them navigate the complex asylum system.

Reception Conditions

Discusses the reception of applicants for international protection, highlighting the need for adequate facilities and support services. Countries are encouraged to provide humane and dignified living conditions for asylum seekers while their applications are being processed.

International Protection Status

Outlines the criteria for granting international protection status and determining an applicant’s eligibility. It also addresses the conditions under which protection status may be withdrawn.

Relocation and Resettlement

Highlights ongoing efforts related to relocation and resettlement, emphasizing the importance of providing safe pathways for individuals in need of protection. This includes initiatives to relocate asylum seekers from countries facing significant pressure on their asylum systems.

Humanitarian Admission

Countries are encouraged to explore humanitarian admission pathways to protect individuals fleeing conflict or persecution. This approach aims to offer safe and legal routes for those needing assistance.

Challenges in Asylum Systems

Acknowledges asylum systems’ challenges, including backlogs in processing applications and the need for increased resources and capacity to handle the rising number of applicants effectively.

4. Temporary Protection and Other Measures In Response to Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine

Summarizes how EMN Member and Observer Countries responded to Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis. Countries implemented temporary protection measures, integration support, and coordinated efforts to help those fleeing the conflict, demonstrating their commitment to providing safety and assistance.

High Numbers of Displaced Persons

Highlights that the ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant number of people seeking refuge in the EU and other countries. As of early 2024, millions of individuals have been granted temporary protection or have sought asylum due to the conflict.

Temporary Protection Directive

The Temporary Protection Directive was activated to provide immediate and effective protection to those fleeing the war. This directive allows for a streamlined process for granting temporary protection status, which includes access to housing, education, and the labor market.

Integration Measures

EMN Member and Observer Countries have implemented various measures to facilitate the integration of individuals granted temporary protection, including providing access to housing and accommodation, offering support for education and language training, and creating employment opportunities while ensuring access to healthcare services.

Monitoring and Coordination

Emphasizes the importance of monitoring cross-border movements and the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive. Countries have established mechanisms to track registrations and ensure displaced persons receive the necessary support and services.

Collaboration and Solidarity

Underscores the collaborative efforts among EU Member States to share the responsibility of hosting displaced individuals. This includes initiatives to relocate individuals from countries experiencing high pressure on their asylum systems to those with more capacity.

Challenges Faced

Despite the positive measures, it acknowledges challenges in providing adequate support and resources for the large influx of displaced persons. Countries are urged to continue enhancing their capacities to meet the needs of those seeking protection.

5. Unaccompanied Minors and Other Vulnerable Groups

Explores how EMN Member and Observer Countries safeguard unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable asylum seekers. It emphasizes the importance of targeted support for these at-risk groups, focusing on child protection, reception conditions, and procedural safeguards. These measures reflect a solid commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable asylum seekers.

Focus on Unaccompanied Minors

Highlights the increasing number of unaccompanied minors among asylum seekers, emphasizing the need for specialized protection and care due to their vulnerable status.

Child Protection Mechanisms

Countries have implemented measures to enhance child protection mechanisms, including deploying trained staff with expertise in handling cases involving unaccompanied minors. This includes ensuring that child protection officers are available in reception centers for direct support.

Reception and Accommodation

Discusses efforts to improve reception conditions for unaccompanied minors, including increasing accommodation capacity and providing alternative care options such as foster care and semi-independent living arrangements. This aims to relieve pressure on existing facilities and ensure minors receive appropriate care.

National Strategies

Several countries have developed national strategies to address the needs of unaccompanied minors. For example, France has implemented a National Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 focused on strengthening support for vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors.

Status Determination Procedures

Outlines the importance of having clear and effective status-determination procedures for unaccompanied minors. This includes age assessment processes, family reunification efforts, and establishing guardianship systems to ensure minors receive legal and social support.

Procedural Safeguards

Emphasis is placed on the need for procedural safeguards to protect the rights of unaccompanied minors throughout the asylum process. This includes ensuring that they have access to legal representation and that their best interests are considered in all decisions affecting them.

Addressing Other Vulnerable Groups

In addition to unaccompanied minors, it also addresses the needs of other vulnerable groups, such as victims of trafficking and individuals with specific health or social needs. Countries are encouraged to adopt tailored approaches to support these individuals effectively.

Challenges and Recommendations

Acknowledges the challenges faced in providing adequate support and resources for unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups. It calls for continued efforts to enhance staff training, improve reception conditions, and ensure protective measures are in place.

6. Integration and Inclusion of Migrants

Reviews key strategies EMN Member and Observer Countries use to integrate migrants into their societies. it highlights collaborative approaches focusing on education, employment, and community engagement to create inclusive environments benefiting migrants and host communities.

EU Developments

Highlights ongoing EU initiatives aimed at promoting the integration of migrants, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and local communities.

National Integration Strategies

Many countries have developed or updated national integration strategies that outline specific goals and actions to support the inclusion of migrants. These strategies often focus on language acquisition, employment, education, and social participation.

Stakeholder Involvement

The integration process is characterized by the involvement of various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and community organizations. Collaborative efforts are essential for creating inclusive environments and addressing the diverse needs of migrants.

Pre-departure and Post-arrival Integration Programs

Countries have implemented pre-departure and post-arrival integration programs to prepare migrants for life in their new communities. These programs may include language courses, cultural orientation, and information on rights and responsibilities.

Education and Training

Access to education and vocational training is a critical component of integration. Emphasizes the need for tailored educational programs that cater to the specific needs of migrant children and adults, facilitating their integration into the labor market.

Labor Market Access

Discusses efforts to improve migrants’ access to the labor market, including recognition of qualifications and skills. Countries are encouraged to create pathways for migrants to contribute to the economy and achieve self-sufficiency.

Basic Services

Ensuring migrants access to essential services, such as healthcare, housing, and social welfare, is essential for successful integration. Highlights the importance of providing adequate support to meet these needs.

Active Participation

Stresses the importance of encouraging the active participation of migrants in their communities. This includes promoting civic engagement, volunteering, and participation in local decision-making processes to foster a sense of belonging.

Fighting Racism and Discrimination

Addressing issues of racism and discrimination is crucial for creating an inclusive society. Outlines initiatives to raise awareness, promote diversity, and combat xenophobia.

Challenges and Future Directions

While progress has been made, it acknowledges ongoing challenges in the integration process, including social tensions and economic disparities. It calls for continued efforts to adapt integration strategies to changing circumstances and ensure that all migrants have the opportunity to thrive in their new environments.

7. Citizenship and Statelessness

Examines citizenship acquisition and statelessness policies in EMN Member and Observer Countries. It emphasizes creating clear legal pathways to citizenship while addressing statelessness through supportive policies and international cooperation to protect migrants’ rights and promote inclusion.

EU Developments

Outlines recent EU-level initiatives to harmonize citizenship policies and address stateless individuals’ challenges. It emphasizes the importance of aligning national laws with international standards regarding citizenship and statelessness.

Acquisition of Citizenship

Various countries have implemented measures to facilitate migrants’ acquisition of citizenship. These include streamlining naturalization processes, reducing residency requirements, and providing pathways for children born to migrant parents to acquire citizenship.

Statelessness Recognition

Highlights the need for formal procedures to recognize statelessness. Some countries, such as the Netherlands and Portugal, have established formal processes to officially identify individuals as stateless. This is crucial for providing them with legal status and access to rights.

New Rights for Stateless Persons

Belgium has proposed a new right of residence for stateless persons, allowing them to obtain a five-year residence permit and access family reunification under conditions similar to those recognized as refugees. This initiative aims to address the legal limbo faced by stateless individuals.

Preventing Statelessness

Discusses measures countries take to prevent statelessness, such as Italy’s policy allowing confident children born on its territory to acquire citizenship at birth (iure soli) if their parents are stateless or recognized refugees.

International Cooperation

Emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing statelessness. Countries are encouraged to work together to share best practices and develop comprehensive strategies to protect the rights of stateless individuals.

Challenges and Recommendations

Acknowledges ongoing challenges related to citizenship acquisition and statelessness, including bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of awareness among migrants about their rights. It calls for continued efforts to improve legal frameworks, enhance awareness-raising campaigns, and ensure that stateless individuals can access legal assistance.

8. Borders, Visa and Schengen

Examines border management, visa policies, and Schengen Area developments within EMN Member and Observer Countries. It emphasizes the importance of balancing effective border control and visa procedures with safe migration pathways while considering both security needs and humanitarian concerns.

EU Developments

Highlights significant EU-level initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and management and improving the efficiency of visa processes. These developments are part of broader efforts to ensure safe and orderly migration while maintaining the integrity of the Schengen Area.

Schengen Governance

The governance of the Schengen Area is discussed, including the need for effective cooperation among member states to manage external borders, facilitate visa issuance, and ensure police cooperation. Identifies challenges and good practices in Schengen governance, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach.

Visa Policy Updates

Outlines recent changes in visa policies, including the introduction of long-validity multiple-entry visas for certain countries, which aim to simplify travel for nationals of those countries. Additionally, it mentions the digitalization of visa procedures, with plans for an EU visa application platform and digital visas by 2028.

Border Management Initiatives

Various initiatives related to border management are highlighted, including the construction of physical barriers and the implementation of advanced technology to monitor borders. These measures are intended to enhance security and prevent irregular migration.

Challenges in Border Management

Acknowledges ongoing challenges in border management, such as balancing security concerns with facilitating legitimate travel and migration. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges through comprehensive policies that consider human rights and the needs of migrants.

Cooperation with Third Countries

Discusses the importance of cooperation with third countries in managing migration flows and enhancing border security. Collaborative efforts are essential for addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring safe pathways for migrants.

Future Directions

Calls for continued efforts to strengthen the Schengen Area’s governance and improve border management practices. It emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue among member states to address emerging challenges and adapt to changing migration dynamics.

9. Irregular Migration

Addresses the ongoing challenges and responses related to irregular migration across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Overall, the “Irregular Migration” section emphasizes the multifaceted nature of irregular migration and the need for coordinated responses that balance security, humanitarian considerations, and the promotion of legal migration pathways.

Trends in Irregular Migration

Continues to focus on preventing irregular migration and combating migrant smuggling. It notes that in 2023, significant individuals refused entry to the EU and Norway, with a notable decrease of 16.5% compared to 2022. Most of those denied entry came from Ukraine, Albania, and Moldova.

Data Collection and Analysis

Eurostat data provides insights into migration control measures, including returns and refusals of entry. It emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection in understanding the dynamics of irregular migration and informing policy responses.

National Responses

Various EMN Member Countries have implemented measures to address irregular migration, including strengthening border controls, enhancing surveillance, and increasing cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Countries are also focusing on improving the efficiency of return procedures for individuals who do not have the right to remain.

Humanitarian Considerations

Acknowledges the humanitarian aspects of irregular migration, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of migrants and ensure their safety. It calls for a balanced approach that addresses security concerns while also considering the vulnerabilities irregular migrants face.

Cooperation with Third Countries

Discusses the importance of international cooperation in managing irregular migration. Countries are encouraged to work together to share best practices, enhance border management, and address the root causes of migration.

Challenges and Recommendations

Identifies ongoing challenges in addressing irregular migration, including the complexities of migrant smuggling networks and the need for comprehensive strategies for prevention and protection. It recommends enhancing legal pathways for migration to reduce the reliance on irregular routes.

10. Trafficking in Human Beings

Focuses on the ongoing challenges and responses related to human trafficking across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Overall, the “Trafficking in Human Beings” section underscores the complexity of human trafficking as a multifaceted issue that requires coordinated efforts across various sectors to combat it and protect vulnerable individuals effectively.

Overview of Human Trafficking

Provides a comprehensive overview of human trafficking, highlighting it as a severe violation of human rights that affects vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. It emphasizes the need for effective measures to combat trafficking and protect victims.

Legislative and Policy Developments

Various countries have made significant legislative and policy advancements in their efforts to combat human trafficking. This includes the establishment of special investigative units, the introduction of new laws, and the implementation of national action plans aimed at preventing trafficking and supporting victims.

Detection and Identification of Victims

Discusses the importance of improving the detection and identification of trafficking victims. It highlights initiatives aimed at training law enforcement and other relevant authorities to recognize signs of trafficking and provide appropriate support to victims.

Cooperation and Coordination

Effective cooperation among different stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, is emphasized as crucial in the fight against human trafficking. It notes that many countries are enhancing their coordination efforts to improve responses to trafficking cases.

Victim Support Services

Outlines the various support services available for trafficking victims, including legal assistance, psychological support, and rehabilitation programs. It stresses the importance of a victim-centered approach that prioritizes the needs and rights of victims.

Challenges in Combating Trafficking

Identifies several challenges in addressing human trafficking, such as the need for better data collection, the complexities of trafficking networks, and the impact of socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability. It calls for more comprehensive strategies to tackle these issues.

Awareness-Raising and Prevention

Awareness-raising campaigns aimed at educating the public and potential victims about the risks of trafficking are highlighted as essential components of prevention efforts. It encourages countries to invest in such initiatives to reduce the incidence of trafficking.

Future Directions

Concludes with recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures, including the need for ongoing training, improved victim support systems, and more robust international cooperation to combat trafficking networks.

11. Return and Readmission

Addresses the policies and practices related to the return of irregular migrants and the readmission of individuals to their countries of origin. Overall, the “Return and Readmission” section highlights the complexities and challenges associated with the return of irregular migrants and the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize humane treatment and support for returnees.

Overview of Return Policies

Outlines the importance of effective return policies as a critical component of migration management. It emphasizes that returns should be conducted humanely and dignifiedly, respecting individuals’ rights.

Trends in Returns

Data indicates fluctuations in returns across EMN Member and Observer Countries. It notes that while some countries have seen an increase in returns, others have faced challenges in implementing return procedures effectively.

Readmission Agreements

Discusses the role of readmission agreements in facilitating the return of individuals to their countries of origin. It highlights the importance of bilateral and multilateral agreements in ensuring cooperation between countries on return processes.

Challenges in Implementation

Several challenges are identified in the return and readmission process, including difficulties in obtaining travel documents, the reluctance of some countries to accept their nationals, and logistical issues related to the actual return of individuals.

Voluntary vs. Forced Returns

Distinguishes between voluntary and forced returns, emphasizing the need for countries to promote voluntary return options. It highlights programs that provide support and incentives for individuals to return voluntarily to their home countries.

Support for Returnees

Outlines the various support services available for returnees, including reintegration assistance, which can help individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities upon return. This support is crucial for reducing the likelihood of re-migration.

Cooperation with International Organizations

Emphasizes the importance of cooperation with international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in facilitating returns and supporting returnees.

12. Migration and Development

Explores the interconnections between migration and development, emphasizing how migration can contribute to the development of both sending and receiving countries. Overall, the “Migration and Development” section underscores the potential of migration as a driver of growth and the importance of creating policies that leverage this potential while addressing the challenges faced by migrants and their communities.

Link Between Migration and Development

Highlights the reciprocal relationship between migration and development, noting that migration can lead to economic growth, poverty reduction, and social development in origin and destination countries.

Remittances

Remittances and financial transfers from migrants to their home countries are prominently discussed. They can support families, improve living standards, and contribute to local economies.

Policy Frameworks

Outlines various policy frameworks and initiatives aimed at harnessing migration’s potential for development. This includes strategies that promote legal migration pathways, enhance migrants’ skills, and facilitate their integration into host societies.

International Cooperation

Emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing migration and development issues. It highlights partnerships between countries, international organizations, and civil society to create comprehensive migration policies that benefit all stakeholders.

Challenges and Barriers

Several challenges are identified, including barriers to legal migration, discrimination against migrants, and better data collection on migration flows and their impacts on development. It calls for addressing these challenges to maximize the benefits of migration.

Integration of Migrants

Discusses the importance of integrating migrants into host societies, which can enhance their contributions to local economies and communities. It highlights initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion and combating discrimination.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Connects migration to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, economic growth, and social inclusion. It emphasizes that well-managed migration can contribute to achieving these goals.

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