The evolving profile of migrants in European countries

What is the number of labor migrants in the European Union?

As of 2023, the European Union has a population of 448.8 million. Among them, 27.3 million people are non-EU citizens, which constitute about 6% of the total population of the EU. Additionally, 42.4 million people were born outside the European Union, accounting for 9% of all residents.

According to Eurostat, the primary reason for obtaining permanent residency in the EU is “family reunification” accounting for 34% of cases. About 21% of legally residing migrants have come for work, 15% have applied for asylum as “refugees” on various grounds, 4% are in the EU on student visas, and 26% have stayed for other reasons.

In 2023, 11.2 million people from non-EU countries were employed in the EU labor market, out of 196.8 million individuals aged 20 to 64. This represents 5.7% of the total working-age population.

The employment rate among the working-age population (20–64 years) in 2022 was higher for EU citizens (76.2%) than for non-EU citizens (63.1%).

This indicates that many foreigners residing permanently in Europe are not employed.

Foreign workers are predominantly employed in:

• Hospitality and restaurant services: 11.3% of foreign workers (compared to 4.2% of locals).
• Administrative and support services: 7.6% of foreigners (compared to 3.9% of locals).
• Domestic work: 5.9% of foreigners (compared to 0.7% of locals).

By occupation, migrants are most commonly found in:

• Cleaners and helpers: 11.4%.
• Personal service workers: 7.3%.
• Construction workers (excluding electricians): 6.1%.
• Workers in mining, construction, manufacturing, and transport: 6.0%.

The 2023 study also highlighted industries where migrant participation is low:

• Public administration and defense, compulsory social security: 1.1% migrants, 7.4% locals.
• Education: 3.9% migrants, 7.6% locals.
• Professional, scientific, and technical activities: 3.8% migrants, 6.0% locals.
• Healthcare and social work: 8.5% migrants, 11.2% locals.

In summary, migrants dominate labor sectors such as hospitality, construction, and domestic work, while locals are primarily employed in public service, defense, education, science, and healthcare.

Refugee numbers increased by 20%

Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Europe experienced the largest influx of people since World War II. By the end of 2022, the share of refugees in the EU increased by 20%. By the end of 2023, the proportion remained stable compared to the previous year, at 23%. Refugees now represent 1.5% of the total population, amounting to over 7 million people.

When considering the number of asylum applications, Ukraine leads, followed by Belarus, India, Morocco, Syria, Türkiye, and others. In 2023, asylum seekers came from nearly 150 non-EU countries. A total of 1,130,300 asylum applications were filed, including 1,049,000 first-time applications, representing an 18% increase compared to 2022 and a 62% rise compared to 2019 (pre-COVID-19).

A significant proportion of applicants came from visa-free countries (21% in 2023 compared to 22% in 2022, with many from Latin America) that entered legally. These countries include Venezuela (6%), Colombia (6%), Georgia (2%), Peru (2%), and Ukraine (1%).

The highest numbers of first-time applications were submitted in Germany (329,000), Spain (160,500), France (145,100), Italy (130,600), and Greece (57,900). Germany leads as it represents the largest economy in the EU and offers favorable social conditions for refugees. Spain serves as a “buffer” state for migrants arriving in Europe from North Africa and the Middle East.

In proportion to population size, Cyprus (1,300 per 100,000 residents), Austria (650), and Greece (600) recorded the highest number of first-time asylum applications in 2023.

In 2023, 271,700 asylum seekers were under 18 years old—nearly one in seven (40,400) were unaccompanied minors. Most unaccompanied minors came from Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

Between January and July 2024, around 589,900 asylum applications were filed in the EU, including 540,300 first-time applications, which is 2% lower compared to the same period in 2023.

In the first seven months of 2024, the largest numbers of first-time asylum applications were filed in Germany (139,900), Spain (99,000), Italy (94,600), France (75,700), and Greece (33,000).

In 2023, EU countries made 677,600 first-instance decisions on asylum applications, with 53% of these being positive:

• 152,000 people were granted refugee status.
• 130,700 received subsidiary protection.
• 76,200 were granted humanitarian status.

In the first half of 2024, EU countries made 374,700 first-instance decisions on asylum applications. Of these, 53% were positive:

• 85,900 people were granted refugee status,
• 80,300 received subsidiary protection,
• 31,400 were granted humanitarian status.

Illegal migration

Between January and July 2024, an increase was observed in the number of crossings along the Eastern Mediterranean route (+67%, 31,400 people), the Atlantic route (+153%, 21,500 people), and the Eastern Borders route (+210%, 9,800 people) compared to the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, a decrease in crossings was noted on the Central Mediterranean (-62%, 33,600 people) and Western Balkans (-75%, 12,200 people) routes. Crossings via the Western Mediterranean route remained stable (+0%, 7,700 people).

From January to September 2024, 1,585 people died or went missing on the three Mediterranean routes, compared to 3,105 in all of 2023.

According to the above-mentioned diagram, the largest number of illegal migrants comes from Syria (27%). The UNHCR estimates that European countries host over one million Syrian asylum seekers and refugees, with 59% of them residing in Germany. Sweden, Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, and France also host significant numbers.

In 2023, approximately 38,300 Syrian refugees decided to return to their homeland, according to an annual UNHCR report, which noted that conditions in Syria are “still not conducive to large-scale voluntary returns in safety and dignity.” Concerns over safety, livelihoods, essential services, and housing were cited as reasons for the low level of repatriation. Around 90% of people in Syria live in poverty.

Syrians remain the largest group seeking international protection in the EU. In 2023, over 180,000 Syrians filed first-time applications, up from 130,000 the previous year. Approximately 120,000 Syrians received positive first-instance decisions, followed by Afghans (67,170) and Venezuelans (42,340).

In contrast, EU countries granted temporary protection—a mechanism activated in March 2022—to over one million people from Ukraine.

At least 90% of Syrian applications processed in the first six months of 2024 resulted in refugee status or subsidiary protection, reflecting authorities’ recognition of significant risks of serious harm upon return to Syria.

New rules

Amid continued pressure on EU borders and the rise of anti-immigration sentiment exploited by far-right politicians in some countries, the European Commission and major EU governments have initiated urgent measures to address migration.

One significant step at the EU level is the adoption of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum by member states. This legislative package tightens asylum provisions and regulates the reception and processing of asylum applications. Applications will be processed more quickly, including at EU borders, and returns will be more efficient. Measures include improved identification upon arrival, mandatory security, vulnerability, and health checks for individuals entering the EU illegally.

Member states will have the option to take responsibility for asylum seekers, contribute financially, or provide operational support. The pact also introduces better crisis-response mechanisms and a voluntary refugee relocation scheme from third countries.

To support EU countries under migration pressure, other member states will contribute by relocating asylum seekers or international protection beneficiaries, making financial contributions, or providing operational and technical assistance. The criteria for determining member state responsibility for asylum applications (the so-called Dublin Rules) will also be updated.

The Regulation on Crisis and Force Majeure establishes a response mechanism for a sudden increase in arrivals, ensuring solidarity and support for Member States facing an exceptional influx of third-country nationals.

The new rules also address the instrumentalization of migrants, where third countries or hostile non-state actors use migration to destabilize EU nations. Individuals not meeting EU entry requirements will undergo pre-entry procedures, including identification, biometric data collection, and health and security checks, within a seven-day period. Member states will establish independent monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with fundamental rights.

A new common EU-wide procedure for granting and withdrawing international protection will be introduced. Processing of asylum applications at EU borders is expected to be expedited, with shorter timelines for inadmissible or unfounded claims.

Data on individuals entering the EU illegally, including fingerprints and facial images for those aged six and older, will be stored in a reformed Eurodac database. Authorities will also register whether an individual poses a security threat or has been aggressive or armed.

The European Parliament has also endorsed new uniform standards across member states for recognizing refugee or subsidiary protection status, as well as the rights granted to those eligible for protection. Member states must assess the situation in the country of origin based on information from the EU Agency for Asylum, and refugee status will be reviewed periodically. Applicants for protection will be required to remain in the member state responsible for their application or where protection was granted.

Member states must ensure equivalent reception standards for asylum seekers, including housing, education, and healthcare. Registered asylum seekers will be permitted to work no later than six months after filing their application. Detention conditions and restrictions on freedom of movement will be regulated to prevent movement across EU states.

Under the new framework for resettlement and humanitarian admission, member states will voluntarily accept refugees from third countries recognized by the UNHCR, allowing them to enter the EU legally, safely, and in an organized manner.

The new rules are expected to come into effect within two years. Regarding the Reception Conditions Directive, member states will have two years to adapt their national laws accordingly.