In 2024, Luxembourg recorded 26,000 new long-term or permanent immigrant arrivals, a slight decrease of 4% compared to 2023, according to an OECD report published on 3 November.

The majority of new arrivals (61%) were linked to free movement within the EU. Labour migrants accounted for 12%, family reunification for 22%, and humanitarian admissions for 4%. In addition, 52,000 workers were posted within the EU, up 9% on 2022.

The three main nationalities among 2023 arrivals were Portuguese, French and Italian. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China recorded the largest increase (+80 people), while Ukraine saw the largest decrease (3,500 people) compared with the previous year.

In 2024, first-time asylum applications fell by 19% to around 2,100. The main countries of origin were Eritrea, Syria and Algeria. Of 1,520 decisions issued, 64% were favourable. Temporary protection for Ukrainians has been extended to March 2026, and beneficiaries must now obtain a biometric residence card upon arrival.

Combating illegal immigration and attracting skilled workers

In 2023, Luxembourg adopted major amendments to the Labour Code to tackle illegal employment. The changes closed loopholes affecting third-country nationals legally resident without a work permit, increased fines and prison terms, and clarified aggravating circumstances, particularly those linked to human trafficking. Luxembourg continued to face irregular migration challenges throughout 2024.

On 1 July 2024, Luxembourg amended its immigration law to transpose the EU Blue Card Directive. The reform simplifies entry procedures, lowers the minimum duration of employment contracts to six months, and sets a single salary threshold of €58,968 to attract skilled talent. Additional measures ease access to employment for highly qualified workers and their families.

Since 1 January 2024, the law on intercultural coexistence has replaced the concept of "integration" with "coexistence." The "Biergerpakt" (citizenship pact) is now available to anyone living or working in Luxembourg, signalling a broader commitment to inclusion.

Luxembourg remains highly attractive to foreign workers, with a large share of cross-border commuters and non-Luxembourgish residents. Recent reforms aim to simplify talent attraction, strengthen inclusion, and align national rules with EU priorities. The decline in first-time asylum applications and the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians to March 2026 reflect a migration policy that is continually adapting.