Category: Belgium

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

EU’s New Entry/Exit Scheme Finally Gets 2024 Launch Date

The European Union’s much-delayed Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) is due to start on 6 October 2024. The launch has been postponed multiple times as EU countries struggled to integrate their border systems with the central EES database. The new border system is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each…
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Bulgaria’s Schengen Bid Gets Dutch Approval

The Dutch government has submitted to the country’s parliament a decision to back Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen passport-free travel area, the Dutch embassy in Romania said on 15 December. “Happy to announce that today the Dutch government informed the Parliament of its support for Schengen accession of Bulgaria,” the Dutch Embassy “The Netherlands already…
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EU Commission Proposes Advancing Visa Facilitation for Türkiye

The European Commission has presented a proposal to further streamline Schengen visa procedures for Türkiye. In a comprehensive report addressing the political, economic, and trade ties between the European Union and Türkiye, its emphasis is on the pivotal role of visa facilitation in fostering increased interactions between their people. Highlighting the necessity of finding common…
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EU Adapts Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

EU Adapts  Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

The European Union has recently amended its guidelines within the EU Long-Term Residents Directive, outlining the prerequisites for third-country nationals to obtain long-term resident status within member states. The proposed amendments include a more flexible approach to residency requirements, targeted integration measures, and enhanced intra-EU mobility. These changes are expected to benefit millions of third-country…
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Cyprus Sets Sights on Schengen Area Accession by 2024

Cyprus is gearing up for Schengen Area membership, eyeing 2024 as the pivotal year for its inclusion in the passport-free zone. A full-fledged member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, Cyprus has yet to secure a spot within the Schengen area. Highlighting the country’s foreign policy agenda for the upcoming year, Foreign Minister…
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