If you would like to receive the quarterly list of EMN ad hoc queries, please send us an email at emn@ibz.be.
Publication date: 10 April 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries plan to change their age assessment procedures in light of Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 on multidisciplinary age assessments. It explores which authorities or external providers are involved in the procedure, and how multidisciplinary teams carry out the assessment in practice. The query also covers how applicants are interviewed and how conclusions are drawn and communicated.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, minor, age assessment, multidisciplinary approach
Publication date: 24 March 2026
This ad hoc query inquires about the legal framework and practices of EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the renewal of residence permits of third-country nationals.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: residence permit, document validity, renewal, digitalisation
Publication date: 19 March 2026
This ad hoc query inquires about the differences in access to social assistance benefits for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection in EMN Member Countries. Additionally, it looks at the reasons given for these differences in access to social assistance benefits and considers whether there are any plans or proposals to introduce further distinctions in access for these groups in the near future.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: beneficiary of international protection, beneficiary of temporary protection, social assistance, social assistance benefit, social welfare system
Publication date: 18 March 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries have age assessment procedures in place, how these procedures are conducted, and which actors are responsible. It also explores the challenges encountered and how they are addressed. Finally, it examines whether the respondent countries plan to introduce a new procedure or amend an existing one in the near future.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection, Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: minor, age assessment, medical examination, multidisciplinary approach
Publication date: 11 March 2026
This ad hoc query explores whether national legislation provides for a formal decision extending the transfer deadline that is distinct from the transfer decision, and whether such a decision may be appealed. It also maps existing legal provisions on absconding in connection with the extension of transfer deadlines and gathers information on national practices when an applicant absconds and subsequently reappears.
Read more
Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Dublin Regulation, Dublin transfer, time limit, absconding
Publication date: 27 February 2026
This ad hoc query shines light on the practices applicable in EMN Member Countries regarding applications for family reunification by third-country nationals and their family members who enjoy visa-free travel for short-stays in the EU, in the context of the implementation of the Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC).
Read more
Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, sponsor, residence permit, visa-free travel
Publication date: 21 February 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether accommodation centres are included in spatial planning regulations in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and whether exceptions apply during periods of significant increases in asylum applications. It also looks at possible exceptions to zoning rules, environmental impact assessments, and the duration of construction and operative permits. Finally, it explores whether countries have formal guidance or standards for establishing such centres, including aspects like room sizes or site location.
Read more
Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, applicant for international protection, urban planning, zoning rules, environmental impact, building standards
Publication date: 24 January 2026
This ad hoc query inquires about experiences and practices across EMN Member and Observer Countries when confronted to cases of children born on their territory to an Iraqi mother, and maps provisions in place to prevent these children being born stateless if Iraqi citizenship cannot be passed.
Read more
Main theme: Citizenship & Nationality
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: nationality, acquisition of citizenship, Iraq, child
Publication date: 19 January 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries are developing or considering initiatives to maintain and strengthen the connections between beneficiaries of temporary protection displaced from Ukraine and their country of origin. It aims to map projects that support continued engagement with Ukraine, including information provision to enable informed decisions about possible return. The query also explores whether such initiatives contribute to future recovery and sustainable reintegration.
Read more
Main theme: Temporary protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: beneficiary of temporary protection, connection, Ukraine, reintegration
Publication date: 18 January 2026
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.
Read more
Main theme: Citizenship & Nationality
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: nationality, determination, foreign national, documentary proof
Publication date: 18 January 2026
This ad hoc query provides an overview of which EMN Member and Observer Countries require criminal record certificates in order to issue long-stay visas or residence permits. Details are provided on the categories of third-country nationals exempted from this requirement, the countries from which these certificates are required (country of origin and/or of previous residence), the other types of documents that may be accepted in lieu of a certificate (such as an affidavit), and more.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration, Family reunification, Study § Training, Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: visa, residence permit, application, criminal record certificate, security
Publication date: 05 January 2026
This ad hoc query maps the status of recognition of Palestine as a sovereign State across EMN Member Countries and the resulting administrative practices regarding statelessness and citizenship for individuals originating from the Palestinian territories.
Read more
Main theme: Statelessness, Citizenship & Nationality
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Palestine, State, statehood, recognition, citizenship, stateless persons
Publication date: 21 December 2025
This ad hoc query maps EMN Member Countries’ intended waiting periods for access to the labour market following the implementation of the recast Reception Conditions Directive. It aims to provide a comparative overview of planned national approaches under the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.
Read more
Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, labour market access, waiting period
Publication date: 20 December 2025
This ad hoc query maps existing policies across EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the issuance of temporary residence permits for third-country nationals who must rely on their own financial means from abroad, with no right to any economic activity in the country of residence.
Read more
Main theme: Migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: temporary residence permit, visitor
Publication date: 14 December 2025
This ad hoc query examines whether national procedures allow asylum applicants to respond to an intended negative first-instance decision before it is officially finalised, and whether there are administrative mechanisms to object to a first-instance decision before filing a judicial appeal.
Read more
Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for international protection, first-instance decision, preliminary decision, pre-notification
Publication date: 14 December 2025
Carriers transporting third-country nationals by air, sea, or land to the Schengen area are required to take all necessary measures to ensure that these individuals hold the travel documents needed for entry into the Schengen States. The European Commission has launched three ad hoc queries, each focusing on a specific aspect of carriers’ liability: the framework of sanctions and penalties; responsibility for costs; and cooperation with carriers and control/supervision.
Read more
Main theme: Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Schengen Agreement, carriers' liability, sanction, penalty, responsibility, supervision, compliance
Publication date: 14 December 2025
This ad hoc query maps the use of both language tests and citizenship tests in the requirements to obtain citizenship across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Information is provided on the language levels, topics tested, and institutions responsible for examining applications, with a particular focus on the testing of adherence to the country’s fundamental values.
Read more
Main theme: Citizenship & Nationality
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: access to citizenship, access to nationality, language test, citizenship test, fundamental values
Publication date: 21 November 2025
This ad hoc query maps the legislation and current practices in EU Member States regarding the use of the European travel document for the return of irregularly staying third-country nationals (TCNs). It provides an overview of whether the document is used in practice, which third countries accept it, whether established operational procedures exist, and to what extent the document is recognised for transit purposes.
Read more
Main theme: Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: European travel document, use, acceptance
Publication date: 14 November 2025
This ad hoc query maps the legislation and current practices in EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the issuance of authorisations to stay for study purposes granted to minors. This mapping includes eligibility criteria, procedural requirements, and information on who assumes responsibility for the minor during their stay in the receiving country.
Read more
Main theme: Study § Training
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: residence permit, authorisation to stay, minor, education
Publication date: 10 November 2025
This ad hoc query examines whether national procedures allow or require immigration officers to request missing or additional information from applicants for legal migration after an initially incomplete application, and, if so, under what circumstances, to what extent, and within which deadlines.
Read more
Main theme: Economic migration, Family reunification, Study § Training
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: legal migration, application for a residence permit, missing information
Publication date: 07 November 2025
This ad hoc query examines the approaches taken by EMN Member Countries regarding potential changes to support measures for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTPs) with respect to accommodation and social welfare. It examines whether changes were applied retroactively and whether different levels of support persist across groups. The query investigates the existence of differentiated support for vulnerable BoTPs and how vulnerability is defined and assessed.
Read more
Main theme: Reception, Temporary protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: beneficiary of temporary protection, vulnerability, accommodation, social benefits
Publication date: 28 October 2025
This ad hoc query examines the extension of alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS) under Article 3 of Regulation 2018/1860 for persons who don’t leave the territory and whose alert is approaching its expiration date.
Read more
Main theme: Irregular Migration
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Schengen Information System, alert on return, extension, individual review
Publication date: 24 October 2025
This ad hoc query seeks to gather information on how EU Member States implement the procedures for making, registering and lodging applications for international protection under the Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU). It addresses how the process is organised in law and practice, the accessibility of registration centres, and the assessment of applicants’ vulnerabilities. The query also covers the use of extended registration deadlines, difficulties in meeting registration timelines, and measures taken when applicants cannot be registered on time.
Read more
Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: international protection procedure, application for international protection, access to the procedure, registration centre
Publication date: 23 October 2025
This ad hoc query maps the issuance of travel documents for individuals recognised as stateless across EMN Member and Observer Countries. Information is provided on the type and validity of such documents, as well as on whether recognition as stateless automatically leads to the issuance of a residence permit.
Read more
Main theme: Statelessness
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: stateless persons, travel document, document validity
Publication date: 20 October 2025
This ad hoc query explores the tailored measures implemented to enhance the involvement of newly arrived third-country nationals (TCNs) in the host society, in particular, the fields these measures cover, the level at which they take place, whether TCNs who are already more permanently settled can participate, and whether nationals can volunteer to support their implementation. It also examines whether these measures are compulsory for TCNs to validate their integration path, and what the consequences are in the event of non-compliance, notably regarding the right of residence.