In this edition of EMNews, the following news are inter alia highlighted:

• General developments: On 11 November, the European Commission launched the first Annual Migration Management Cycle under the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The package adopted by the Commission consists of (i) the European Annual Asylum and Migration Report; (ii) the Commission Implementing Decision on migratory situations, and (iii) the Commission proposal for the Annual Solidarity Pool.
   
• Legal migration: On 26 November, the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy was revised in Ireland. Key changes include excluding 18– 23-year-olds from eligibility, raising thresholds for adult dependants, and granting 16–18-year-olds the right to work. Longer-term reforms will introduce salary and accommodation requirements, pre-clearance before travel to Ireland, and an application fee.
   
• International protection including asylum: On 21 November, the Belgian Council of Ministers adopted a new list of safe countries of origin. Compared with the previous list, Morocco was added to the list, while India and Moldova were removed.
   
• Unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups: On 27 October, the revised Standard Operating Procedures on the reception and care of unaccompanied minors were published in Italy. The document provides an operational tool to support those who are involved in the care and provision of initial reception services for unaccompanied minors.
   
• Integration and inclusion: On 30 December, an amendment to the School Education Act was put into effect in Austria, introducing a new provision on banning headscarves. In order to promote self-determination, equality, and visibility for girls, female students up to the age of 14 are prohibited from wearing “a headscarf that covers the head in accordance with Islamic traditions” in schools.
   
• Citizenship and statelessness: On 17 December, amendments to the requirements for acquiring Finnish citizenship came into force. Applicants now have a greater obligation to provide reliable proof of their identity, and they must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, without relying solely on social assistance or public benefits, and meet stricter integrity standards, including having no serious criminal offences.
   
• Border management and irregular migration: On 22 December, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers extended the reinforced border guard system operation regime until 30 June 2026, due to continued detection of disproportionately large number of irregular border crossings on the Latvian-Belarusian border.
   
• Trafficking in human beings: Since October, third-country nationals identified as victims of trafficking in human beings who apply for residence permits under Subsidiary Legislation 217.07 in Malta will be exempt from application fees. Validity of permits has been extended from 6 to 12 months. Permits may be renewed throughout the entire duration of any related court proceedings.
   
• Return and readmission: On 21 October, a man convicted of a criminal offence in Austria was deported to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban took power in 2021. Working meetings with the Afghan authorities earlier in the year were held to further coordinate deportations. As a result, two other men convicted of criminal offences in Austria were deported to Afghanistan on 9 November and 18 December.
   
• Migration and development: In October, the Czech Ministry of the Interior provided EUR 500 000 to the UNHCR programme in Chad supporting Sudanese refugees arriving to Chad through its Aid in Place programme.

For detailed news, please read the EMNews attached above.