Overview
- ESRI and EMN say asylum applications jumped 40% in 2024 even as overall inflows declined, reflecting a shifting migration mix.
- The International Protection Office increased decisions by 56% to 13,108 last year, with a median processing time of 16 months and 70% initial refusals.
- Approximately 6,000 people seeking protection were not offered state accommodation on arrival in 2024, highlighting sustained capacity strain.
- Legal migration via work rose, with employment permits up 27% in 2024, led by health and social work and information and communication sectors.
- Enforcement activity intensified: 935 voluntary returns (+345%), 3,275 orders to leave (+208%) and a 153% rise in enforced deportations; 67 trafficking victims were identified and 14 prosecutions initiated.