Legislation affecting third country nationals in the different countries

CAPACITY BUILDING TOOLKIT FOR CIVIL  SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS - Module 2

 

It is crucial for every organization to be aware of the legal environment, as it sets the framework and context in which they operate.

The activities of civil organizations are significantly influenced by sponsors and how the organization defines its client base or beneficiaries, who are often defined differently by legal frameworks. When developing a project or service, it is essential to carefully consider who the target group is and who will be receiving assistance. In some cases, the activity can be tailored to a broader group, while in others, it may only support a smaller, more specialized group. Since certain resources are only available for specific target groups, it is a strategic decision to determine who will be supported and who will not, as a single project can only cover some groups. It is crucial for every organization to be aware of the legal environment, as it sets the framework and context in which they operate.

Classification options for migration

1. Length of stay
  • Short-term (resident): visa-free; subject to visa
  • With residence permit: registration certificate; residence card
  • Long-term (resident): settlement permit; protected person; immigration permit; refugee; permanent residence card 
2. Residence by status
  • Free movement with the right of residence = EU citizen and family member 
  • Third-country nationals holding a residence permit: worker; blue card; white card; researcher; volunteer; trainee; contractor; family member; student.
  • Humanitarian residence permit holder: tolerated person; victim of trafficking; asylum seeker; stateless person 
  • Permanent resident
  • Refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, or temporary protection
3. By lawfulness of residence
  • Legal migration: entry and stay with a visa, visa-free entry and stay; entry and stay with a valid residence permit; beneficiaries of international protection, third-country national vs EU citizen
  • Irregular legal status: expired and non-renewed visa or residence permit; revoked visa or residence permit; undocumented entry
4. By purpose of stay
  • Voluntary migration: entrepreneurs; diplomats; digital nomads; highly skilled workers; employees; family members; students
  • Forced migration: asylum seekers; climate migration; beneficiaries of international protection: refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, beneficiaries of temporary protection

Exercise:

Consider which category the group supported by your organization falls into:

  • beneficiaries of international protection,
  • third-country nationals - from outside the EU,
  • or persons with the right to free movement.

This helps to define the target group more accurately and optimize resource allocation, as some support and programs are only available to specific groups. The task aims to give you a clearer understanding of who you are helping.

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Important! Migration regulations vary by country, so Hungarian laws do not apply everywhere.

Useful information

Below, you will find websites that provide useful information for the four countries involved in the project.

Belgium
Germany: 
HUNGARY
Spain
 
 
Other sections within this module:

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