The year 2024 was like a rollercoaster for many when it comes to EU immigration highlights. European Union is always a dream destination for job seekers, investors and entrepreneurs. The year 2024 brought some key changes to EU immigration policies that have affected and will continue to affect EU citizens and foreign nationals in many senses. Here are the key EU immigration highlights for the year 2024:
1. EU Immigration and Internal Border Controls
One of the key highlights for EU immigration is border controls by a number of member states. Germany enforced internal land border control on September 2024 with all of neighboring states to control national security and irregular immigration. The Germany border controls are expected to remain till March 2025 as reported by the Schengen News.
EU Countries with Border Checks
Same ways, Netherlands also implemented border checks with its two neighboring countries in Schengen zone. Netherlands implemented the border checks on 9th December 2024 for 6 months. These checks are not meant for all, but includes random checks for selected vehicles.
France is yet another important Schengen country with border checks. Norway, Denmark and Sweden also enforced border checks but now these measurements brought to an end. Slovenia, Italy and Austria are the other EU countries with border checks.
2. Increasing Schengen Visa Fee
Increment of Schengen visa fee is yet another key EU immigration highlight from 2024. European Union increased the Schengen visa fee by 12.5% on 11th June 2024. As per new Schengen visa fee, adults applying for Schengen Visa need to pay €90 instead of €80 and €45 for children instead of €40.
Applicants from countries who refused to cooperate with EU authorities on readmission of their citizens need to pay €180 instead of €135. There is no Schengen visa fee increase for citizens of countries whose government have visa facilitation agreements with EU.
3. Launch of Entry/Exit System Postponed
The EES or Entry/Exit System is an efficient system that aims to phase out the manual passport stamping by using an automated IT based passport scanning system. The Entry Exit System for EU countries was set for launch on 10th November 2024, but postponed for launch in 2025. The Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson hinted at launch of EES in phases.
The EES will requires from non-EU citizens to provide bio-metric data (finger prints and facial images) along with some other information. The system is for foreigners irrespective of their nationality and irrespective of one’s access to visa free entry or entry with a prior visa.
4. Removal of Vanuatu from Schengen Visa Free List
Vanuatu became the first country in history with no more access to visa free entry in to EU zone. Earlier, citizens of Vanuatu were eligible for visa free entry to all Schengen states. European Union stated that Vanuatu failed to comply with rules for its citizenship by investment program. This means end of attraction for many CBI investors seeking an affordable option. EU authorities stated that the country put the EU safety and security at risk.
If you consider an alternate option to Vanuatu citizenship by investment program, Nauru CBI emerged as an alternate to it. With an investment of $105,000 and visa free access to 89 countries including the UK, UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia and others.
5. Relaunch of Hungary Golden Visa
The year 2024 is also remarkable among the key EU immigration highlights due to relaunch of Hungary Golden Visa Program. Starting from an investment of €250,000 visa real estate investment funds, investors get 10 years renewable residency. Family inclusion, return on investment, business expansion and possibility of citizenship are key attractions for Hungary GIP.
6. End of Spain Golden Visa
Spain announced ending of its Golden Visa program with last date 31st December 2024. It means from 1st January 2025, Spain Golden Visa is no more an option. Don’t worry as the alternate options include Greece Golden Visa and Portugal Golden Visa programs. These two are the best alternates to Spain Golden Visa program.
Conclusion
For EU immigration, the year 2024 seems to be mainly about tightening of policies, regulating immigration and strict border control. The EU states focus on regulating immigration towards their personal goals. Further, Russian citizens were barred to be a part of any immigration by investment program. Still there are many legal ways to get into the dream destination.