This study examines skills matching for migrants in Belgium as part of a broader European-level analysis conducted within the framework of the EMN. It focuses on how policies and initiatives align migrants’ qualifications and skills with labour market needs. The analysis considers both vertical and horizontal mismatches, where skills or fields of study do not correspond to job requirements. It identifies key challenges, as well as lessons learned and good practices, in supporting sustainable labour market integration through improved skills matching.

This ad hoc query maps existing legislation and practices across EMN Member and Observer Countries with regard to the determination of the nationality of third-country nationals, including documentation required. Questions are also asked on the registration of nationalities of children born on their territory to third-country national parents.

This European Migration Network (EMN) study documents the illegal employment of third-country nationals in EMN Member Countries between 2017-2022. It includes an up-to-date analysis of key legislative and policy frameworks and practices to prevent, identify and tackle the illegal employment of third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of temporary protection. It also provides examples of challenges and good practices.

Flanders granted around 21.460 work permits to non-EU nationals in 2025, the highest level in recent years. Seasonal work and medium- to high-skilled positions accounted for a large share of the permits. New rules introduced in January 2026 give priority to domestic and EU labour before non-EU recruitment. Stakeholders, including employer organisations and political parties, have expressed differing perspectives on these developments.

On 12 October 2025, Belgium began implementing the European Entry-Exit System (EES) for third-country nationals travelling to Europe for short stays. Brussels Airport and Brussels-Midi station (for Eurostar passengers) have planned the necessary infrastructure and procedures to support border registration. EU and Schengen-area travellers are not affected. Full implementation across Europe is scheduled for 10 April 2026.

Organised by the Czech National Contact Point of the European Migration Network, the conference will explore forthcoming changes and approaches to integration policies across the EU. It will also reflect on the development of integration policy in the Czech Republic and support the definition of a long-term national vision, including the roles of the various actors involved.

In 2024, 1.261 detainees were forcibly returned from Belgian prisons, down from 1.428 in 2023 and 1.511 in 2022, according to the Immigration Office. The most represented nationalities among those returned were Albanians, Moroccans, and Algerians. This decline comes amid ongoing challenges linked to prison overcrowding and changes in early-release policies.

On 19 September 2024, EMN Belgium presented the findings of its national contribution to the upcoming EMN Study on the Illegal Employment of Third-Country Nationals (2017-2022), in a comparative perspective with the national contributions from EMN Austria and EMN Italy.

This election year will be the fourth time that non-Belgians who reside in Belgium can vote in municipal elections. Yet participation remains low, as shown by the figures released by the FPS Interior ahead of the registration deadline, on 31 July 2024.