The return of irregular migrants is one of the main pillars of the EU’s policy on migration and asylum. In this light the EMN will conduct in 2017 a study on ‘The effectiveness of return in EU Member States: challenges and good practices linked to EU rules and standards‘. The synthesis report of this study is expected to be published at the end of 2017. The Belgian national report will probably be published at the beginning of 2018.

Today, the thematic Council of Ministers on security, justice and defence approved a series of measures, including the proposal of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration to increase the capacity of the closed detention centres for irregularly staying migrants.

Today, two new laws have entered into force. They focus on the procedure to end the residence rights and organized the removal of foreign nationals legally residing in Belgium for reasons of public order or national security.

Today the European Commission presented new measures in the context of the review of the EU return policy which was announced in the Malta Declaration from 3 February 2017.

In october 2016, Fedasil has opened a new return desk in Charleroi, where migrants can receive information and assistance on voluntary return.

On 6 and 7 July, the Slovakian National Contact Point of the EMN - in connection with its Member State's Presidency of the Council of the EU - organized the annual EMN conference. This time the conference focused on sustainable returns and cooperation with countries of origin.

At the initiative of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration, the premiums granted to Afghan and Iraqi nationals who voluntarily return to their country of origin have been temporarily doubled.

The Commission finds that good progress has been made to implement the EU-Turkey Statement.

The EU and Turkey have found an agreement in order to end irregular migration from Turkey to the EU.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 25/02/2016 discussed the current migratory situation, including the monitoring of implementation of the measures already agreed at recent meetings of the European Council and Justice and Home Affairs Council.

For the first time in Europe, Fedasil and IOM organized on Monday 1st February 2016 a chartered flight to Baghdad for the voluntary return of 106 persons to Iraq.

The conference of the Belgian National Contact Point to the EMN– which took place on 4 December in Brussels – focused on challenges and opportunities associated with the return of irregular and vulnerable migrants.

On 11 November 2014, the European Commission has released its 6th bi-annual report on the functioning of the Schengen area covering the period from 1 May to 31 October 2014.

On 20 October 2014, the European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, has opened an investigation into how Frontex ensures the respect of fundamental rights of migrants who are subject to forced returns from the EU to their countries of origin.

On 12 and 13 June 2014, the European Migration Network Conference 2014 took place on "Irregular migration and return: challenges and practices". The Conference was organised in Athens, within the framework of the Hellenic Presidency of the EU Council.

In a Communication adopted today, the Commission stresses that Member States have generally ensured that the Return Directive is transposed in their national law but that there is scope for improvement in the practical implementation of the Directive and of return policies in general.

Today, on 14 February 2014, the first meeting took place of the Return and Reintegration Experts' Group (REG) under auspices of the European Migration Network. REG incorporates the former work of the Voluntary Return European Network.

The UN Committee against Torture (CAT) expressed both positive and negative observations on Belgium, following the examination of the third periodic report on Belgium.

The preliminary executive summary of the report concludes that it is necessary to push forward discussions in order to move towards legislation in the area in the near future.

Today, Tuesday 8 January 2013, the act of purchase was signed for the building that will become the open return centre in Holsbeek.

On 23 October, Maggie De Block answered many questions inter alia related to the European platform for the repatriation of unaccompanied minors (ERPUM).

On 28 September 2012 a call for proposals was published in the Belgian Official Gazette, making available resources provided for voluntary return in the annual program 2012.

The law of January 19, 2012 introduced the concept of a “return track” for asylum seekers, a framework for individual counseling on return, offered by the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil). New instructions implement this return track in the reception centres.

The statistical data up till the month June on assisted voluntary return (REAB) are available. In June 410 people voluntarily returned to their country of origin, bringing the total for the first six months of 2012 to 1990.

The annual report of the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) has been launced. Fedasil updates you on the voluntary return program that it runs as well as the reception situation and network in 2011.