More than half of EU Member States have no policy on the entry and residence of au pairs from outside the EU/Schengen area. Those countries that do have such policies guarantee, for example, adequate financial compensation and a maximum number of working hours.

A key milestone in 2023 was the agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on the European Pact on Asylum and Migration.

According to the European Family Reunification Directive, partners and minor children under 18 of persons with an asylum residence permit have the right to family reunification.

A majority of European countries have no plans to issue digital residence permits in the near future. This is evident from the comparative EMN-study on the digitalisation of identity and residence documents for migrants from non-EU/EFTA countries.

Migrants without valid residence documents are not allowed to work or receive an education in most European countries. In some countries, these migrants can attend higher education or obtain a residence permit for study purposes.

Beneficiaries of international protection who have been granted a residence permit must find housing themselves in more than half of the European countries. In other countries, the government allocates housing.

Most European countries have a coherent policy for return and support for reintegration in countries of origin. This involves, for example, cooperation, coordination and division of responsibilities between all organisations involved.

Addressing labour shortages, stimulating innovation, or improving international competitiveness - there are many reasons why the EU wants to attract foreign talent. The programmes and initiatives in this area differ across EU Member States. 

Violations, difficulties in enforcement, or abuses in certain sectors: not only the Netherlands faces problems related to illegal employment and labour exploitation of  migrants from non-EU/EFTA countries*; other EU Member States are facing similar issues.