EMN National Contact Point
for the Slovak Republic

EMN Annual Report on Migration and Asylum in the EU and Norway in 2020

16 June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unexpected developments in the areas of migration and international protection. In addition to persisting challenges, new ones arose, such the need of new digital solutions. The Annual Report on Migration and Asylum published by the European Migration Network (EMN) provides an overview of the key developments in the area of migration in the EU Member States and Norway in 2020.

In 2020, COVID-19 related travel restrictions caused a decrease in the numbers of third-country nationals entering the EU, either with authorisation to stay or as asylum seekers, and those leaving the EU in the framework of return procedures. Preliminary data indicates that the number of visa and residence permits issued in 2020 decreased by nearly 50 % in some Member States, and the number of asylum applications decreased by 32.6 % compared to the previous year.

As a consequence of limited access to offices and physical distancing measures, the electronic systems and digital tools played an important role in maintaining the functioning of migration and asylum systems. Member States which originally did not provide such services, introduced mail, online or other electronic communication to submit applications, renew visa and residence permits.

A common topic at the EU and Member States level was increasing the effectiveness of migration management. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum prepared by the European Commission presents a comprehensive approach to migration, asylum, integration and border management. Member States adopted new strategic directions and priorities. New forms of cooperation with non-EU countries were established, not only to prevent irregular migration, but also to receive skilled workers.

The protection of asylum seekers and refugees, including minors and other vulnerable groups, remained on the political agenda at the EU and Member States level in 2020. The fire in the Moria camp in Greece in September 2020 brought the topic of the reception of asylum seekers into the spotlight. Consequently, several Member States reacted through relocation pledges.

In 2020, the EU Member States reacted also to the official departure of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the EU which resulted in adopting measures to regulate the legal status of UK nationals and their family members.

The European Annual Report can be downloaded in the Publications Section. The Synthesis Report is accompanied by a shorter Inform and Flash as well as by the Statistical Annex. The Annual Report for Slovakia is available in English and Slovak.

EMN Coordinator for Slovakia

International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Office in the Slovak Republic

www.emn.sk | ↗ www.iom.sk
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EMN Coordinator for the EU

European Comission - Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs 

www.ec.europa.eu/emn
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