In October 2026, several migration processes remain under discussion: a bill on Romanian citizenship by descent, a reform for foreign workers in Bulgaria, an EU requirement that five Caribbean countries close their investment citizenship programs, and the suspension of Greencard DV 2027 lottery registration. None of these decisions has been made yet, and the current rules remain in force.

Romania: bill on citizenship by descent

On 26 October 2026, a bill amending the procedure for obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent was referred to the Senate’s parliamentary committees. The initiative provides for restricting the right of descendants of former Romanian citizens to acquire citizenship.

The Senate has not yet voted; the final decision must be taken by the Chamber of Deputies. The Romanian Legislative Council pointed to the absence of transitional provisions for applications already submitted and to the need to align the proposed changes with the rules on citizenship of minors. These remarks may lead to a substantial revision of the bill. Its final wording and prospects for adoption are currently unknown. The current provisions of Romania’s citizenship law remain in force, and the review of previously submitted applications continues in the established manner.

Bulgaria: single permit and changing employer

The Bulgarian Parliament has continued considering a bill amending the rules on residence and employment of foreign nationals. The initiative has passed its first reading.

The key proposal concerns foreigners holding a single residence and work permit. At present, this status is tied to a specific employer, which considerably limits the ability to change jobs, and dismissal may put the right of residence itself at risk. The bill provides for a more flexible procedure for changing employers, the possibility of temporarily keeping the right of residence after dismissal, and the right to stay in the country while an application for extension of the residence permit is under review.

Even after the changes are adopted, foreign workers will remain dependent on migration permits, their validity periods, and compliance with the established conditions.

Caribbean countries: deadline of 12 November

The European Union has set a new deadline for five Caribbean states that have been asked to abandon investment citizenship programs. By 12 November they must confirm their readiness to close such programs by 1 June 2028.

The requirement applies to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The European Commission considers such programs a security threat, since they allow foreigners to obtain passports of states with visa-free access to the Schengen Area. If they refuse, the countries risk losing visa-free access to the EU.

There is already a precedent: in December 2024, the EU decided to suspend visa-free travel for Vanuatu specifically because of its investment citizenship program. The restrictions affected all citizens of the country, including those who obtained their passport by birth. The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda said that the national program has a high chance of being discontinued. Final decisions have not yet been made, and visa-free travel remains in effect.

USA: DV 2027 registration suspended

On 29 October 2026, a US appeals court suspended the enforcement of a ruling that obliged the State Department to resume registration for the Greencard DV 2027 lottery. The start date for accepting applications has once again become uncertain.

Registration usually takes place in the autumn, but this year the State Department has not announced when it will be held. In August, a law firm filed a lawsuit over the de facto suspension of the program. On 14 October, a federal court ordered the authorities to open registration no later than 1 November and to hold the drawing within the established timeframes. The government appealed this decision, and the appeals court supported the State Department’s motion, noting that the plaintiff had not demonstrated sufficient legal grounds for the suit. The judges separately emphasized that they do not approve of the agency’s inaction. The government is temporarily exempt from the obligation to open registration on 1 November.

The Green Card program has not been legally abolished, but no official registration dates exist, and the possibility of a drawing in the current cycle remains uncertain. The future of DV 2027 depends on the outcome of the appeal and the actions of the State Department.

A railway station or passenger terminal square with people queuing at counters, close-up, no documents.

EU: new rules on the return of foreigners

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted new rules on the return of foreigners who have lost their legal right to stay. The regulation entered into force on 16 October, and some provisions will begin to apply in one year.

Financial sanctions are provided for refusing to cooperate with the authorities, and in certain cases criminal liability. For foreigners who pose a security threat, states will be able to impose indefinite entry bans and apply detention for more than 2 years under established conditions. The creation of special return hubs outside the EU is permitted.

On 27 October, the European Commission proposed expanding the powers of the border agency and increasing its staff to 30,000, as well as digitalising return procedures and strengthening information exchange between states. These proposals still require legislative approval.