How EU Migration Policy Has Changed Over the Past Year

The European Union continues strengthening its border controls and improving legal migration mechanisms. How does this affect third-country nationals? Why are some migrant categories more often denied entry? And how have 2024 changes impacted legal employment?

In this article, we analyze fresh Eurostat data, key policy changes, and explain what to expect if you're planning to travel or work in Europe.

Read on to avoid common mistakes and learn how GLW supports you through legal migration with confidence and minimal risk.

Overview – Eurostat 2024 Data

In 2024, the EU maintained a tougher migration policy focused on border control, detecting irregular presence, and increasing returns to origin countries. Key trends for the past 12 months include:

• 123,655 third-country nationals were denied entry to the EU. This number is stable since the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting consistent control policies.

• 918,925 individuals were found to be illegally present in the EU—a 27.4% decrease from 2023. This may indicate improved enforcement and reduced migration flows.

• 453,380 received official exit orders, a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. Yet actual returns were only 110,385, a 19.3% increase.

These numbers show a consistent EU strategy: reducing irregular migration, improving return processes, and tightening border checks. Below, we analyze main refusal reasons, countries with the highest violations, and forecasts for prospective legal migrants.

Entry Denials

EU border control remained strict in 2024, with a breakdown by border type:

• Land borders – 56.9% of all denials, especially at crossings with Poland, Croatia, and Romania.

• Air borders – 39.8% of denials, mostly in France (~7,800 passengers).

• Sea borders – only 3.4% of denials, primarily along Italy’s coast.

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Most Affected Nationalities

Those most often denied entry typically come from visa-exempt or simplified-regime countries but violate stay conditions:

Reduction of Irregular Presence

In 2024, the number of detected irregular migrants in the EU dropped by 27.4% to 918,925. The highest numbers were reported in:

• Germany – 249,155 individuals

• France – 142,190 individuals (+19.5%)

• Italy – 108,925 individuals (–44.1%)

Eastern European countries (Slovakia, Latvia, Austria, Croatia) saw the steepest declines—up to –95%, indicating reduced migration pressure on external EU borders.

Analytical Summary

EU migration policy in 2024 shows clear priorities:

• Steady refusal rates—over 120,000 refusals annually, signifying consistent border enforcement.

• 27.4% drop in irregular presence, reflecting active border efforts and cooperation with origin countries.

• 19.3% growth in effective returns, signaling better return program execution.

• Main burden remains on Poland, France, Italy, and Germany—the EU’s entry points.

• Voluntary returns are gaining importance, offering a more humane approach to migration control.

In this context, it’s vital to plan migration consciously and responsibly. GLW is here to help — in times of tighter control and policy shifts, we guide you around errors, ensure correct documentation, and assist your adaptation or safe return without risks.

2025 Trends: What’s Changed

In Q1 2025, illegal entries dropped by 30%, with Balkan route crossings down almost 64%. This shows effective new border measures and better member-state coordination.

Return procedures tightened: In March, the EU Commission introduced the European Return Order (ERO), requiring uniform return decisions across member states. New return hubs in third countries are proposed—but may raise concerns over human rights and delays.

Online return data Q4 2024:

• 124,935 orders to leave the EU (+16% vs. Q4 2023)

• 28,630 actual returns (+24%), showing stronger enforcement.

This means legal work programs like those offered by GLW are now more important and effective.

Conclusion

EU migration policy in 2024 prioritizes security, control, and legality. Reduced illegal presence, stable refusal numbers, and increased returns are signals for those planning relocation or work in Europe.

EU countries now demand stricter compliance—minor mistakes or faulty documents can cost entry rights or future legalization chances. That’s why smart, proactive steps matter.

GLW isn’t just a legal employment agency. We’re your partner through the complex migration journey—confidently, safely, and legally. We support you from first consultation to adaptation in a new place—or safe return home, with no fines or issues.