Publication date: 03 April 2025
This ad hoc query, launched by EMN Belgium, explores whether authorities in EMN Member Countries are permitted to search the electronic devices of irregularly staying third-country nationals in the context of return. It examines the legal conditions under which such searches may take place, the categories of individuals concerned, the availability of related statistics, and the perceived impact on identification processes. The query also invites information on challenges encountered and any planned legislative developments in this area.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: irregularly staying third-country national, identification, search, electronic device
Publication date: 15 January 2018
This Inform presents an overview of the EMN Study on “Challenges and practices for establishing the identity of third-country nationals in migration procedures”.
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Main theme: International Protection, Borders & Visa, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: identification
Publication date: 15 January 2018
The Belgian Contact Point of the European Migration Network has published a report on challenges and practices for establishing identity in the migration process. The report served as the Belgian contribution to an EU Synthesis report on the topic, which compares national policies, legislation and practices on the subject in 25 EU Member States and Norway.
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Main theme: International Protection, Borders & Visa, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: identification
Publication date: 30 June 2017
UNHCR developed a practical tool called "Stateless Persons in Detention: A tool for their identification and enhanced protection". The purpose of the instrument is to facilitate identification o persons in the context of detention who may be stateless and to support the achievement of solutions to their predicament.
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Main theme: Statelessness
Publication Type: Study
Keywords: statelessness, identification, detention
Publication date: 29 September 2016
This publication investigates the identification of suspected jihadists among asylum seekers and of jihadist activities in and around reception centers for asylum seekers.
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Publication date: 14 August 2014
This Inform summarizes the main findings of the corresponding EMN study, which aimed at examining whether and how victims of trafficking are detected/identified in international protection and forced return procedures and further referred to specific procedures.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: detection, identification, referral, victim of trafficking
Publication date: 31 March 2014
This focussed study examines the mechanisms for detection, identification and referral of (potential) victims of trafficking in human beings in international protection (including Dublin) and forced return procedures.
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Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: detection, identification, national referral mechanism, referral, victim of trafficking
Publication date: 07 March 2013
16 Member States provide information on legislation, responsible authorities, criteria and process and residence permits for victims of trafficking.
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Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: assistance, identification, victims of human trafficking
Publication date: 21 February 2013
This Synthesis Report summarises the main findings of the EMN Focussed Study on Establishing Identity for International Protection: Challenges and Practices undertaken by EMN National Contact Points from 25 (Member) States.
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Main theme: International Protection, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: identification, identity
Publication date: 25 September 2012
In this national contribution to the EMN focussed study, the Belgian Contact Point describes the issue of establishing identity of applicants for international protection and for the return of rejected asylum applicants
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Main theme: International Protection, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: identification, identity
Publication date: 20 September 2012
The Strategy, adopted on 19 June 2012, contains a set of concrete and practical measures that will support and complement the Directive 2011/36/EC whose deadline for transposition is 6 April 2013.
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Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: identification, joint investigation, prosecution, protection, strategy
Publication date:
Belgium has confirmed its participation in an exploratory administrative mission to Afghanistan, representing 20 European Union Member States. The announcement was made by Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. The mission, organised by the European Commission, aimed to establish technical administrative contacts with Afghan authorities. The initiative has drawn attention from refugee organisations, which have expressed concern about engagement with the Taliban regime.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: voluntary return, forced return, illegally staying person, Afghanistan, identification, criminal foreigner
Publication date:
Belgian Ministers of Justice and Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden and Anneleen Van Bossuyt, visited Albania and Kosovo on 6–8 October 2025. Their discussions addressed migration management, prison overcrowding, and bilateral cooperation in justice and security. Meetings involved national authorities and highlighted ongoing collaboration between Belgium and the two countries.
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Main theme: Irregular Migration, Return & Readmission, Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: Belgium, Albania, Kosovo, cooperation, identification, forced return, detainee
Publication date:
A large delegation from the federal government, accompanied by senior police officers and senior administration officials, is leading a mission to Morocco. The fight against illegal immigration and the return policy are among the priority issues discussed with the Moroccan authorities.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: irregularly staying third-country national, Morocco, prison, identification
Publication date:
This conference aimed at exploring the latest evidence and policy perspectives on the identification and investigation of human trafficking offenses.