Ad Hoc Query on involving and consulting third-country nationals during the process of developing migration policies
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries structurally involve third-country nationals in the development of migration policies at the national level. If so, it investigates in which areas, at what point and how such consultations take place. It aims to gain insight into lessons learnt in organising migrant involvement in the policy development.
Background:
The Directorate-General for Migration (DGM) of the Netherlands is exploring how other countries involve third-country nationals (TCNs) in developing migration policies. This includes policies on return, asylum, border management, and labour migration. The focus is on the direct involvement of TCNs, such as through consultation structures or surveys, rather than through NGOs or lawyers.
The Dutch Directorate-General for Migration is in the early stages of considering how to organise such consultations in the Netherlands. The objective of this ad hoc query is to gather insight about potential new structures for involving TCNs in policy development.
Respondents:
21 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.
Findings:
A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:
- Out of the 21 responding EMN Member Countries, 17 report having no formal structures for the direct involvement of TCNs in developing migration policies. However, several countries involve TCNs indirectly. For instance, in BE, while there is no formal direct participation of TCNs, there is regular contact with civil society organisations that advocate for TCNs’ rights. Additionally, TCNs are indirectly involved through surveys and studies.
- Four responding EMN Member Countries report directly involving TCNs in the areas of reception, integration, and labour market integration. However, they do not involve TCNs in other areas such as return, asylum, or border management. NL is an exception, as it involves TCNs in resettlement and in policies for beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine.
- In general, third-country nationals (TCNs) are identified for participation on a voluntary basis or through direct applications. Representatives of immigrant and ethnic minority groups, as well as the most representative associations, are also contacted. Suitability for participation is often based on factors such as language skills and diversity.
For further information, please read the compilation of answers above.