Integration of migrant women in Luxembourg: policies and measures

Report (2021)

This study provides an overview of the current policies and measures in Luxembourg regarding the integration of third-country national migrant women. Luxembourg follows a mainstream approach regarding ... [more ▼]

This study provides an overview of the current policies and measures in Luxembourg regarding the integration of third-country national migrant women. Luxembourg follows a mainstream approach regarding integration. According to the Law of 16 December 2008 on the integration of foreigners in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, integration is a two-way process that includes both the foreigner and the Luxembourgish society, thereby aiming at all non-Luxembourgish nationals (EU citizens and third-country nationals alike), independent of their gender. However, both national and EU funds may finance measures to support the integration of third-country national migrant women. The number of third-country national women in Luxembourg has increased steadily over the last years, representing 8,1% of the total female population in 2020. Most first residence titles issued to third-country national women were based on family reasons. Depending on the reasons for immigration, the most common countries of origin were India, the U.S.A., and China (to pursue remunerated activities), as well as Syria, Eritrea, the Philippines (for ‘other’ reasons, which includes, among others, beneficiaries of international protection), and Brazil (for family reasons). While third-country national women in Luxembourg comprise a diverse population, occupying jobs in both high-skilled and low-skilled employment sectors, they experience several challenges. Despite higher levels of education, they are more exposed to overcrowded housing, lower household income, lower activity rates, and higher unemployment rates than Luxembourgish women. Moreover, third-country national women are less often enrolled on electoral lists for municipal elections than female EU foreigners. Finally, the issue of discrimination towards (female) residents of African descent in Luxembourg has generated debates in recent years. The study also presents three projects specifically addressing third-country national women, which have been identified as examples of good practices in the context of integration of migrant women, namely ‘Le Temps des Femmes’ by Caritas, ‘Concept d’Intégration, d’Accompagnement et d’Orientation (CIAO!)' by Femmes en Détresse, and ‘Intégration par le Sport’ by the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette. [less ▲]

Détection des vulnérabilités dans la procédure de protection internationale

Article for general public (2021)

La vulnérabilité des demandeurs de protection internationale est un élément clé de l’acquis communautaire en matière d’asile. La directive relative aux procédures d’asile (2013/32/UE – refonte) et la ... [more ▼]

La vulnérabilité des demandeurs de protection internationale est un élément clé de l’acquis communautaire en matière d’asile. La directive relative aux procédures d’asile (2013/32/UE – refonte) et la directive sur les conditions d’accueil (2013/33/UE – refonte) prévoient des dispositions particulières pour les personnes vulnérables en ce qui concerne, respectivement, la procédure de protection internationale (c’est-à-dire des garanties procédurales spéciales) et l’accueil (c’est-à-dire des besoins particuliers en matière d’accueil). Par conséquent, pour que les États membres soient en mesure de prévoir et de garantir ces dispositions particulières pour les demandeurs vulnérables, il est essentiel qu’une vulnérabilité potentielle soit détectée et identifiée à un stade précoce de la procédure de protection internationale. C’est dans ce contexte que EMN Luxembourg a décidé, en consultation avec les autorités luxembourgeoises et des acteurs nationaux, de lancer une demande d’information aux Etats membres. L’objectif de cette note de synthèse est de déterminer comment les vulnérabilités des demandeurs de protection internationale sont détectées dans le cadre de la procédure de protection internationale dans les Etats membres de l’UE et comment le suivi de cette détection est garanti par les autorités et les acteurs impliqués, y compris les garanties procédurales spéciales. [less ▲]

Detection of vulnerabilities in the international protection procedure

Article for general public (2021)

The vulnerability of applicants for international protection is a key component of the EU acquis on asylum, with both the Recast Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU) and the Recast Reception ... [more ▼]

The vulnerability of applicants for international protection is a key component of the EU acquis on asylum, with both the Recast Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU) and the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (2013/33/EU) providing special provisions for vulnerable persons with regard to the procedure for international protection (i.e. special procedural guarantees) and reception (i.e. special reception needs), respectively. Hence, in order for Member States to be able to provide and guarantee these special provisions for vulnerable applicants, it is essential that a potential vulnerability is detected and identified at an early stage in the international protection procedure. It is in this context that EMN Luxembourg decided, in consultation with the Luxembourgish authorities and national stakeholders, to launch a request for information to Member States via the EMN ad-hoc query system. As a consequence, the aim of this Inform is to map how vulnerabilities of applicants for international protection are detected in the international protection procedure in EU Member States and how the follow-up of this detection is guaranteed by the authorities and stakeholders involved, including special procedural guarantees. [less ▲]

ANNUAL REPORT ON MIGRATION AND ASYLUM Luxembourg 2020

Report (2021)

The Annual Report on Migration and Asylum provides an overview of the main developments and debates in Luxembourg in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted migratory movements to and from ... [more ▼]

The Annual Report on Migration and Asylum provides an overview of the main developments and debates in Luxembourg in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted migratory movements to and from Luxembourg. In 2020, there was a significant decrease in the number of residence permits, applications for temporary authorisation of stay and visas (short stay visas and D-visas), a reduction of around 50% on the number of applications for international protection and a decline in Dublin transfers and returns. Public health measures in response to the pandemic significantly impacted migration policies. For instance, Luxembourg temporarily closed its borders to third-country nationals and automatically regularized the stay of third-country nationals whose legal residence status ended during the state of crisis. Moreover, personal interviews with applicants of international protection (AIPs) and Dublin transfers were suspended. Lastly, irregular migrants were granted access to healthcare, free of charge, regardless of their social security coverage without being issued a return order or being placed in detention during the pandemic. Outside of the COVID-19 context, the following developments can be highlighted: The introduction of Bill n°7682 foresees the extension of the time limit from three to six months available to beneficiaries of international protection (BIPs) to apply for family reunification after the granting of their status, as well as the simplification of administrative procedures, concerning the elimination of the requirement to provide integral copies of travel documents for family members of the third-country national applying for family reunification. At the procedural level, Bill n°7682 aims to amend the appeal procedure against a Dublin transfer decision to increase their effectiveness while guaranteeing maximum legal security for the applicant for international protection. It proposes to amend the Asylum Law by introducing “extraordinary” remedies against a final decision to close proceedings and against a decision to withdraw international protection. The Grand Ducal Regulation of 4 November 2020 entered into force, establishing the Commission on the evaluation of the best interest of unaccompanied minors in return decisions. However, this commission continues to generate debates and criticism, especially from fundamental rights organisations, regarding its composition. In view of the high occupancy rate in the ONA’s accommodation structures, efforts to promote the construction of new accommodation structures continued in 2020. A new emergency reception facility was set up for newcomers. Strengthening the fight against trafficking in human beings was another priority of the Luxembourgish government. As a result, the composition of the Monitoring Committee on the Fight Against the Trafficking in Human Beings was implemented by Grand Ducal Regulation. Other strategic developments were implemented, such as the elaboration of a second National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and an enhanced collaboration at the Benelux and EU level. In terms of integration, several major developments should be noted: The creation of a communication service within the Department of Integration The first interministerial committee on integration open to civil society took place on 16 December 2020 The launch of a large consultation including all key actors on the future of integration policies The selection of several municipalities to take part in a pilot phase regarding a new approach to the Communal Plan on Integration (PCI) A discussion in Parliament on the issue of racism and discrimination, which resulted in the adoption of two motions and a resolution. One of the motions provided for a study on racism and ethno-racial discrimination and the resolution aims to strengthen the resources of the Centre for Equal Treatment (CET). The Minister of Education, Children and Youth is planning to set up a service specifically responsible for the integration and reception of children of foreign origin and to review the procedures for taking care of newly arrived pupils [less ▲]

Accurate, timely, interoperable? Data management in the asylum procedure in Luxembourg

Report (2020)

The main objective of this study of the European Migration Network is to provide objective and reliable information about the data management in the asylum procedure in Luxembourg. The Luxembourgish ... [more ▼]

The main objective of this study of the European Migration Network is to provide objective and reliable information about the data management in the asylum procedure in Luxembourg. The Luxembourgish Asylum Law foresees a centralised and streamlined asylum system with one single national authority for registering, lodging and examining applications for international protection, namely the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, implemented by the Directorate of Immigration. The Asylum Law clearly distinguishes the phases of making, registering and lodging an application for international protection. In practice, however, the three phases generally occur on the same day or within a few working days if the claim is not directly made to the Directorate of Immigration. Furthermore, the asylum system does not differentiate between the different types of entry routes to Luxembourgish territory. As a consequence, applicants for international protection have a swift access to the asylum procedure once they express their wish to apply for international protection in Luxembourg. In addition to the tracks foreseen in the Recast Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU), Luxembourg operates a fourth track in the form of the ultra-accelerated procedure, which was introduced in 2017 as a practical acceleration of the accelerated procedure for applicants stemming from safe countries of origin from the Western Balkan countries and Georgia. The study provides an detailed overview of what data is collected from applicants of international protection, at what stage of the procedure this data is collected and by whom, as well as where and how this data is stored. Lastly, the study has shown that, despite the increase of applications since 2015 and a consistent high number of applications since then, the processing times have decreased significantly, in particular since 2017. [less ▲]

Le statut de résident de longue durée dans l'UE

Report (2020)

Les ressortissants de pays tiers migrent vers l’Union européenne pour différentes raisons : raisons économiques, raisons familiales, pour suivre des études ou pour obtenir une protection internationale ... [more ▼]

Les ressortissants de pays tiers migrent vers l’Union européenne pour différentes raisons : raisons économiques, raisons familiales, pour suivre des études ou pour obtenir une protection internationale. Certaines de ces personnes restent sur le territoire des États membres de nombreuses années, et tissent des liens avec l’État membre concerné. C’est pourquoi l’intégration des ressortissants de pays tiers résidents de longue durée dans les États membres est considérée comme un élément clé pour promouvoir la cohésion économique et sociale au sein de l’Union européenne. L’un des premiers textes législatifs adoptés par l’UE en matière d’immigration vers l’Union européenne a été la directive 2003/109/CE du Conseil du 25 novembre 2003 relative au statut des ressortissants de pays tiers résidents de longue durée (ci-après la « directive »). Bien que la directive soit entrée en vigueur le 23 janvier 2006, sa mise en œuvre par les États membres n’a pas été uniforme. C’est la raison pour laquelle l’EMN Luxembourg a décidé, à la demande des autorités luxembourgeoises, de lancer une étude sur ce sujet par l’intermédiaire du Réseau européen des migrations. Comme il était nécessaire de procéder à une évaluation adéquate de la mise en œuvre de la directive, le comité directeur du REM a mandaté, le 21 octobre 2019, l’EMN Luxembourg de recueillir des informations via le mécanisme des questions ad-hoc du REM afin d’établir l’état des lieux de la mise en œuvre de la directive. Les informations nécessaires à l’élaboration de la présente note de synthèse ont été recueillies par le biais de quatre questions ad-hoc du REM portant sur des aspects spécifiques du statut de résident de longue durée (ci-après le « statut RLD ») dans l’UE. [less ▲]

ANNUAL REPORT ON MIGRATION AND ASYLUM Luxembourg 2019

Report (2020)

The present report provides an overview of the main developments and debates in relation to migration and asylum in Luxembourg in 2019. Luxembourg remains an important country of immigration, as evidenced ... [more ▼]

The present report provides an overview of the main developments and debates in relation to migration and asylum in Luxembourg in 2019. Luxembourg remains an important country of immigration, as evidenced by the figures on net migration, which remains the main reason for the demographic growth of the Luxembourgish resident population. Net immigration of third-country nationals remains high (7 336) and exceeds that of citizens of the European Union (EU; 4 806). The number of people applying for international protection remained high in 2019 (2 047 applications) compared to the levels registered pre-‘migration crisis’ (1 091 in 2014). Family reunification remains the principal reason for third-country nationals to immigrate to Luxembourg, followed by economic reasons and international protection. Several major developments occurred in the field of legal migration. The introduction of a new long-term visa simplifies the entry and stay of third-country nationals for a period of up to one year, without having to apply for a residence permit. In order to guarantee the rights of British citizens working and residing in Luxembourg before the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the EU (Brexit) four laws were adopted, most of them were supposed to enter into force if there was a non-deal Brexit. Other important changes related to migration result from the adoption of the law of 4 December 2019 amending the law of 29 August 2009 on the free movement of persons and immigration (hereinafter Immigration Law). This law takes into account the expert’s comments during the evaluation in 2016 of the application of Schengen. [less ▲]

RAPPORT ANNUEL SUR LES MIGRATIONS ET L'ASILE Luxembourg 2019

Report (2020)

Le présent rapport trace les principaux développements et débats relatifs à la migration et à l'asile au Luxembourg en 2019. Le Luxembourg reste un pays d'immigration important, comme en témoignent les ... [more ▼]

Le présent rapport trace les principaux développements et débats relatifs à la migration et à l'asile au Luxembourg en 2019. Le Luxembourg reste un pays d'immigration important, comme en témoignent les chiffres du solde migratoire, qui reste la principale raison de la croissance démographique de la population résidente luxembourgeoise. L'immigration nette de ressortissants de pays tiers reste élevée (7 336) et dépasse celle des citoyens de l'Union européenne (UE; 4 806). Le nombre de personnes demandant une protection internationale est resté élevé en 2019 (2 047 demandes) par rapport aux niveaux enregistrés avant la «crise migratoire» (1 091 en 2014). Le regroupement familial reste la principale raison pour laquelle les ressortissants de pays tiers immigrent au Luxembourg, suivi des raisons économiques et de la protection internationale. Plusieurs développements majeurs se sont produits dans le domaine de la migration légale. L'introduction d'un nouveau visa de longue durée simplifie l'entrée et le séjour des ressortissants de pays tiers pour une période pouvant aller jusqu'à un an, sans avoir à demander un permis de séjour. Afin de garantir les droits des citoyens britanniques travaillant et résidant au Luxembourg avant le retrait du Royaume-Uni (UK) de l'UE (Brexit), quatre lois ont été adoptées, la plupart d'entre elles étant censées entrer en vigueur en cas d’un Brexit sans accord. D'autres changements importants liés à la migration résultent de l'adoption de la loi du 4 décembre 2019 modifiant la loi du 29 août 2009 sur la libre circulation des personnes et l'immigration. Cette loi prend en compte les commentaires de l'expert lors de l'évaluation en 2016 de l'application de Schengen. [less ▲]

Les voies migratoires pour fondateurs de start-ups et entrepreneurs innovants au Luxembourg

Article for general public (2019)

La note de synthèse présente les principaux résultats de l’étude réalisée en 2019 par le Point de contact luxembourgeois du Réseau Européen des Migrations (EMN Luxembourg) intitulée: « Migratory pathways ... [more ▼]

La note de synthèse présente les principaux résultats de l’étude réalisée en 2019 par le Point de contact luxembourgeois du Réseau Européen des Migrations (EMN Luxembourg) intitulée: « Migratory pathways for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs in the EU and Norway » qui a été publié en juillet 2019. Cette étude fournit un aperçu de l’écosystème luxembourgeois ainsi que des politiques et pratiques en vigueur afin d’attirer, soutenir et retenir les fondateurs de start-ups/entrepreneurs innovants. Au Luxembourg, le soutien aux start-ups et aux entrepreneurs innovants, indépendamment de leur pays d’origine, est considéré comme une priorité politique nationale depuis 2013. Cependant, le Luxembourg, à la différence des autres Etats membres, n’a pas développé un cadre législatif spécifique visant spécifiquement à attirer des fondateurs de start-ups et des entrepreneurs innovants issus de pays tiers. L’objectif principal est d’attirer l’investissement international, des entreprises innovatrices et des chercheurs en général. Cette approche est le résultat d’un marché du travail très particulier qui dépend fondamentalement de la main d’œuvre transfrontalière et européenne. Dans ce cadre, les voies migratoires proposées aux fondateurs de start-ups/entrepreneurs innovants par la loi sur la libre circulation de personnes et immigration7 (ci-après: la loi d’immigration) sont celles couvertes par les titres de séjour « travailleur indépendant » ou « investisseur ». Selon les autorités, ce cadre légal est suffisant par rapport aux besoins actuels et au nombre de titres de séjour accordés pour ce type d’immigration. [less ▲]

Migratory pathways for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs in the EU and Norway (Country report Luxembourg)

Report (2019)

The main objective of this study of the European Migration Network is to provide objective and reliable information about migratory pathways for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs to Luxembourg ... [more ▼]

The main objective of this study of the European Migration Network is to provide objective and reliable information about migratory pathways for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs to Luxembourg. Fostering start-ups and innovative enterprises is a national policy priority for Luxembourg as providing support to entrepreneurship and start-ups has been on the Luxembourgish governments’ agenda since 2013. It has been a part of a more general diversification policy of existing economic structures in order to increase economic growth of the country and reduce dependence on the financial sector, which remains the dominant economic pillar. The current Governmental programme 2018–2023 encourages support to start-ups, the acceleration of the development of the start-up ecosystem in Luxembourg as well as the promotion of Luxembourg as a ‘start-up nation’ both at national and international level. What should be pointed out is that this policy is not specifically targeted at third-country start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs, but aims to attract international investment, (innovative) enterprises and researchers in general. Thus, the mainstream immigration policy established by the amended Law of 29 August 2008 on free movement of persons (hereafter referred to as ‘Immigration Law’) for ‘self-employed worker’ or ‘investor’ residence permits is applied. The conditions that need to be fulfilled in order to be issued either a ‘self-employed worker’ or ‘investor’ residence permit as well as the conditions for the renewal of the residence permits are explained in detail in Section 3.3 and in Section 5, respectively. Several of the stakeholders involved in the context of this study reported that the existing regulations are sufficient and there is no need to introduce new ones or ones that would specifically target third-country nationals. Several initiatives have implemented in order to support the development of innovation in Luxembourg. Luxinnovation, the National Agency for the promotion of Research, Development and Innovation, was established already in 1985 and currently is reinforcing Government’s economic development objectives by providing support to companies and researchers in order to foster innovation. One of these initiatives, launched by the Ministry of the Economy in 2015 and implemented by Luxinnovation, is the Fit4Start acceleration programme which is particularly aimed at innovative ICT start-ups and recently also at start-ups from the health technologies. This programme provides coaching, business development support and funding to innovative projects or young innovative start-ups from around the world. Another important policy in the context of this study is the amended Law of 17 May 2017 on the Promotion of Research, Development and Innovation which provides a national funding scheme for Young Innovative Enterprises. Under this scheme, unlisted small enterprises that are registered for a maximum of five years can apply for State aid at the Ministry of the Economy’s Research and Innovation Directorate. Furthermore, Luxinnovation also animates the Luxembourg Cluster Initiative established by the Government in 2002. The objective of this initiative is to encourage communication and exchange of knowledge between cluster members (involving both the public and private sector) as well as to encourage use of new technologies and identification of possible business opportunities. This study further presents a table of rights and incentive measures in place to attract start-up founders and particularly highlights the access to special funding and investments, the co-working spaces as well as the access to incubation/accelerator support programmes, among others. In addition to the elements presented above, this study also elaborates on the following questions: What is the process and what are the requirements for starting up a business in Luxembourg? What are the main sectors and industries in which Luxembourg aims to attract start-ups? What is the role of local and regional authorities in creating and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems? What role can actors such as local authorities, the private sector or higher education institutions play in attracting start-ups? Are there factors/conditions in place that incentivise start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs to use specific immigration routes? Lastly, with the use of fictional scenarios, four case studies aim to provide an understanding of the possible admission options of different types of start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs. [less ▲]