We have the pleasure to inform you that the Prague Process has introduced the regular update of the country factsheets, now featuring the latest migration-related trends and policy developments in North Macedonia, Portugal and Slovenia.

Here are a couple of highlights that offer a glimpse into recent developments. Explore the full version of the factsheets to review the detailed analysis and data. 

North Macedonia: Growing immigration flow

• According to UNDESA, in 2024 North Macedonia hosted 150,902 immigrants, most of whom were nationals of Albania (45%), Türkiye (13%), Ukraine (13%) and Serbia (12%). Meanwhile, the flow of immigrants in 2024 reached its peak and amounted to 7,458 persons, 134% increase compared with 2023 (3,176). 98% of immigrants were foreign nationals and arrived from Türkiye (54%). Immigration from Asian countries also increased notably, reaching 1,121 persons (around 15% of all arrivals), primarily from India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Portugal: Emigration-to-immigration shift

• Portugal has transitioned from being a country of emigration to increasingly one of immigration. While the number of emigrants remained relatively stable between 25,000 and 34,000 annually, immigration grew sharply from 83,654 in 2020 to 177,557 in 2024. Over the past four years, the number of first residence permits issued to non-EU nationals in Portugal increased from 84,397 in 2020 to 121,872 in 2024. Half of all 2024 first permits were issued for employment, followed by family reunification (19.8%), education (13.7%) and other reasons (16.8%). Most first permits were issued to the nationals of Brazil (43,754), India (12,915), Angola (9,716), Nepal (9,411), Cabo Verde (8,355).

Slovenia: Increased student inflow

• Labour immigration to Slovenia continues to be dominated by workers from the Western Balkan countries. Slovenia’s demand for foreign labour, combined with regional proximity and cultural ties, is reinforced by bilateral labour agreements with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Alongside labour migration, Slovenia has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the number of international students reached 10,561, representing a 12% year-on-year increase. Most students originated from Serbia, North Macedonia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring Slovenia’s regional educational pull.

All the factsheets can be accessed through the interactive map here.

The factsheets offer concise and valuable insights in the migration landscape of these countries, providing data from both national and international sources. They also highlight key developments in migration policies and legislation. While the national data is updated by the Secretariat and ICMPD colleagues as well as external experts, the data from international sources is refreshed automatically as it becomes available. 

Our Repository contains the latest publications of the Migration Observatory and Training Academy of the Prague Process.

Subscribe to the Prague Process mailing list here in order to keep up to date with the latest developments through our Quarterly Review.