Published: 27.01.2026
The draft would introduce stricter measures against irregular entry and residence, including no possibility of legalising status after an illegal entry. It would also simplify procedures for foreigners residing legally, aim for two-year residence permits and link continued legal residence to employment; the draft further increases penalties for facilitating irregular entry and transporting people without a right to enter.
According to the sources, this is a draft rather than legislation already in force, so existing permits and procedures do not automatically change. If adopted, people without status or who entered irregularly would face a harder path to legal residence, while legal workers could benefit from simpler procedures and potentially longer permits. A separate concern is the proposed link between residence and employment, including possible withdrawal of a permit after a period of unemployment. The development is most relevant to irregular migrants, applicants using work-based routes and employers; for people already residing legally, it is a possible future change rather than a current rule.
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