New EU Trends in Migration and Asylum Policy — What You Should Know in 2024–2025

The European Union is continuing to reform how it manages migration and asylum — and the newest EMN 2024 Report (Asylum & Migration Overview 2024) explains what’s changing.

If you’re planning to work legally in the EU or apply for asylum or residence status, these updates are important. GLW has summarized the main points in a simple way:

Key Directions of Change

EU Pact on Migration and AsylumIn June 2024, EU leaders finally adopted the long-awaited Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will start applying from mid-2026.The goal is to make the system more unified and predictable across all EU countries — especially for handling asylum cases, border control, and the return of people who stay illegally.This means that decisions and procedures will become more coordinated between member states, reducing the differences that currently exist from country to country.

Fewer asylum applications overallAccording to the report, the number of first-time asylum applications in the EU fell by around 13% in 2024 compared to the previous year. At the same time, illegal border crossings dropped by almost 38%, showing that tighter border control and new visa systems are already having an effect.

This doesn’t mean migration has stopped — but it does show that the EU is focusing more on legal and controlled migration channels.

Updates to the Schengen Borders CodeIn 2024, the EU also introduced changes to the Schengen Borders Code.Countries now have more tools to respond to emergencies — like sudden migration waves, health crises, or security threats.

One big update gives EU members more flexibility to temporarily restore internal border checks if needed. So, for example, during a crisis, you might see more frequent passport or biometric checks, even inside the Schengen area.

What This Means for Applicants and Workers

• If you plan to apply for asylum, the process may become faster, but at the same time stricter.

• The new “Pact” aims to reduce uncertainty — decisions should come quicker, but only for those who fully meet the new requirements.

• Expect tighter border control and wider use of digital registration systems like EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS for non-EU citizens.

  
  

The main message from Brussels is clear:

• Legal migration will be supported and simplified.

• Irregular migration will face stronger control.

• And EU countries will share responsibility more evenly.

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