Migration and asylum issues continue to have a significant impact on the policies and societies of the countries of the European Union. In 2025, the European Migration Network Latvia is participating in the development of a number of studies and informs highlighting the latest trends, challenges and possible solutions in migration management.
This year has already seen the publication of the EMN inform “Illegal employment of third-country nationals: 2017-2022 situation analysis”. The information contained in this inform shows that Member States are using several methods to restrict illegal employment of third-country nationals, such as:
- changes in legislation to facilitate the legal attraction of foreign labour and stricter sanctions for infringements;
- increased focus on sectors where irregularities are most frequent, such as construction, agriculture and services, and targeted inspections;
- penalties are imposed on both employers and illegal workers to discourage such practices;
- educational initiatives targeting employers and employees to raise awareness of the benefits of legal employment and the risks of illegal employment;
- cooperation between different public authorities such as labour inspectorates, immigration services and law enforcement authorities is strengthened in order to detect and prevent irregularities more effectively.
In 2025, the European Migration Network will produce a series of informs on the management of migration of third-country nationals in the EU. It will examine policy developments on the rights and obligations of beneficiaries of temporary protection, early integration of asylum seekers, recognition of third-country nationals’ qualifications and skills, and review procedures and challenges related to regulated professions. Challenges and opportunities in the use of digital services in legal migration procedures will be explored.
A number of informs will be produced to examine how EU Member States are implementing the provisions of the Migration Pact, for example on asylum procedures at the border, criteria for safe third countries of origin and transit, respect for fundamental rights in screening and border procedures and the provision of legal assistance to asylum seekers.
A report of Latvia will be prepared for the EMN study on promoting the sustainable integration of third-country nationals into the labour market: skills adjustment policies and tools.
The Annual Report on Migration and Asylum in the European Union 2024 and the Report on Migration and Asylum in Latvia 2024 are under preparation. Previous years’ reports and reviews are available here.
The EMN Asylum and Migration Glossary is being updated and will be complemented by terms related to the implementation of the Migration Pact in 2025.
For data on residence permits issued, employment rights and asylum applications in Latvia up to mid-2024, please consult the EMN Statistical Visualisation Tool.