Illegal employment of third-country nationals: 2017-2022 situation analysis

Ensuring fair and lawful employment is central to safeguarding migrant workers’ rights and maintaining the integrity of EU labour markets. This study analyses how EMN Member Countries addressed the unlawful employment of third-country nationals between 2017 and 2022, comparing national approaches, legal and policy frameworks, inspection procedures, and data availability. It outlines common challenges, including language barriers, limited evidence for enforcing sanctions, difficulties monitoring high-risk sectors, and vulnerabilities linked to undeclared work, seasonal employment, and platform work. The study also highlights variations in inspection practices, sanctioning regimes, and outcomes for workers, while showcasing good practices such as strengthened inter-agency cooperation, targeted information campaigns, expanded inspection capacities, and tailored support for victims of labour exploitation or trafficking. By providing robust comparative evidence and up-to-date insights, the report aims to support policymakers in designing effective measures to prevent unlawful employment, protect workers, and reinforce compliance across the EU.