Update from EMNews: Focus on labour migration and migration strategies

The latest edition of EMNews summarises migration-related news from EMN Member and Observer Countries over the first quarter of the year. Several countries have launched new migration strategies focusing on labour migration and integration, as well as initiatives on sustainable return to Syria. Several EMN Member Countries are extending the Temporary Protection Directive until 4 March 2026. In Sweden, the government has decided both on the allocation of quota on refugee resettlement and on the abolition of the so called “changing track ”.

Work on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum continues. As part of this, the European Commission and Frontex have signed a cooperation agreement on migration management and information exchange. In addition, the European Commission held the second meeting of the High-Level on Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Committee in March 2025 with the aim of preparing for the implementation of a Union framework in this area. Furthermore, the number of asylum applications has fallen by 11% in the 29 EU+ Countries, according to statistics from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). At the same time, Norway is scaling back its reception capacity.

Several EMN Member Countries have confirmed the extension of the Temporary Protection Directive until 4 March 2026. Croatia is implementing legislative amendments to the Aliens Act, which relate, among other things, to work and residence permits.

All this news and much more can be found in the latest edition of EMNews.

Labour migration

• Finland is introducing a minimum gross salary requirement of at least EUR 1,600 for foreign nationals with work permits and is implementing improvements for foreign berry pickers in the labour market.
• Luxembourg has set income requirements for highly skilled workers, while Malta is adopting a new labour migration policy to promote economic growth.
• Italy is introducing a new residence permit for victims of labour exploitation, while the Netherlands has decided to impose higher fines on employers who hire illegal workers.

Migration strategies and action plans

• Greece is entering into a framework agreement with Switzerland on migration and integration.
• Malta’s second integration strategy and action plan (2025–2030) is launched.
• The Republic of Serbia adopted an action plan for refugees and internally displaced persons (2024–2027), while Latvia adopted an action plan for economic growth and enhanced security in the country’s eastern border region for 2025–2027.
• Slovenia and Georgia adopted strategy documents to combat trafficking in human beings. Malta has begun implementing its national strategy to combat trafficking in human beings (2024–2030).
• Norway is launching a new return strategy.

Sustainable return

• Austria is providing EUR 19.3 million in humanitarian aid to the Syrian civilian population locally and to promote sustainable return to Syria.
• The Czech Republic is granting financial support to two projects aimed at supporting the return of Syrian refugees to Syria and unaccompanied children in Greece, respectively. The support amounts to €1 million per project.

Sweden

• Quota on refugee resettlement – The Swedish Ministry of Justice has decided on the allocation of the 900 quota refugees expected to be granted residence permits in Sweden in 2025. Vulnerable women, girls and LGBTQ people will be prioritised.
• Proposal to encourage more people with removal rulings to leave the country. The bill also proposes that the so-called “changing track” wil be abolished. The legislative amendments will come into force on 1 April 2025.