Both the Netherlands and other European countries collect biometric data from migrants from non-EU/EFTA countries to establish their identity and verify the authenticity of travel documents.

The intended introduction of the dual status system in the Netherlands affects the validity period of asylum permits. This will depend on the grounds on which international protection is granted to the applicant, either refugee protection or subsidiary protection.

European countries have not yet taken or planned measures to address climate change migration. At international, European and national levels, there are no legislative frameworks for climate-related displacement and migration.

The rights and conditions related to unaccompanied minors transitioning into adulthood vary significantly across the EU and Norway. Such rights are not guaranteed by the EU acquis.

Unaccompanied minors (UAMs) who have little perspective of receiving a residence permit may also have co-existing problems, such as substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems, and may travel between EU-countries.

In recent years, the Netherlands as well as other EU Member States have experienced heightened pressures on the asylum reception system.

Two new Observer Countries have joined the European Migration Network. Armenia participates in the EMN since 28 October, and Montenegro since 23 September.

Under the current EU and international legal framework, several options exist for beneficiaries of international protection to travel and reside in another Member State.

2021 was a year marked by the crisis in Afghanistan and COVID-19, developments that also had implications for Dutch migration policy.