Netherlands Clarifies Asylum Status Identification for Family Reunification Applications

What changed

The Netherlands has opened a public consultation on a new bill that would make actively frustrating a person's own return from the Netherlands a criminal offence in certain circumstances. Minister for Asylum and Migration Van den Brink presented the proposal on 7 October 2026, and the Ministry of Justice and Security opened the draft law for public consultation on the same day. The consultation will run until 18 November 2026.

What changed

Sweden has introduced new immigration rules for family reunification and young adults, which come into effect on 1 October 2026. These rules mean that people in Sweden who sponsor family members now need to meet higher income requirements. At the same time, young adults who are already in Sweden will have more ways to stay with their parents, including a temporary option to apply for different types of permits without having to leave the country. These changes will affect sponsoring individuals and anyone applying for, or extending, a residence permit based on family ties.

What changed

From 1 October 2026, new rules will apply to individuals applying for a residence permit in Sweden as a family member of someone holding long-term resident status in another EU country. The changes introduce a stricter definition of eligible family members, mandate that the family unit must have been established and cohabited in the initial EU country, and impose a maintenance requirement on the family member residing in Sweden. Applicants seeking an extension of a permit granted before 1 October 2026 can benefit from transitional rules if they apply by 1 October 2027, avoiding the new requirements. Those applying for the first time, or those who have already applied and are awaiting a decision, must meet the new criteria from the effective date.

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency has implemented new immigration rules for family members accompanying employees, effective from 1 October 2026. These changes primarily introduce or extend maintenance requirements for certain work permit categories and researchers, including during permit extensions. Additionally, family members of Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holders and EU Blue Card holders staying for up to one year must now hold comprehensive health insurance. The alterations aim to ensure financial self-sufficiency and adequate healthcare coverage for accompanying family members in Sweden.