Publication date: 01 December 2009
This study examines the protection statuses granted in Belgium, including those harmonized at European level and those set at the national level in the framework of asylum and immigration policies. It addresses the legal basis, procedures and rights attached to these statuses.
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Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: displaced person, protection need, qualification directive, refugee, residence permit, rights
Publication date: 01 October 2009
How is assisted return defined? How is voluntary return implemented in Belgium and what is the target group? This study examines further the political and institutional context, the legal basis as well as programs and data available on the subject.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: REAB program, migration policy
Publication date: 01 September 2009
The main objective for this report is to describe the statistical trends on international migration, asylum and illegal entry and return for the reference year 2007 in Belgium.
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Main theme: Data & Statistics
Publication Type: Annual Statistical Reports
Keywords: annual report, Statistics
Publication date: 30 June 2009
Who are the unaccompanied minors (UMAs) in Belgium? What motivates them to enter and stay in the country? What are the policies on reception, return and integration developed for UMAs in Belgium? This study addresses such questions and contains statistical information on the subject.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: age assessment, guardianship, unaccompanied minors
Publication date: 01 June 2009
This report – Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2008 – gives an overview of developments and changes that have taken place in Belgium in the field of migration and asylum in the reference year.
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Main theme: Asylum, Migration, Cross-sectional
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: migration policy
Publication date: 31 March 2009
This study describes and analyzes the various aspects of the asylum and immigration policies in Belgium. It also examines lessons learned and future developments in this field.
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Publication date: 04 February 2008
This report – Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2007 – gives an overview
of developments and changes that have taken place in Belgium in the field of migration
and asylum in the reference year.
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Main theme: Asylum, Migration, Cross-sectional
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: migration policy
Publication date: 23 January 2008
This report – Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2006 – gives an overview of developments and changes that have taken place in Belgium in the field of asylum and migration in the reference year.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: migration policy
Publication date: 15 January 2008
This report - Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2005 - gives an overview of developments and changes that have taken place in Belgium in the field of migration and asylum in the reference year.
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Main theme: Asylum, Migration, Cross-sectional
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: migration policy
Publication date: 01 September 2007
The main objective fixed to this report is to describe the statistical trends on international migration and asylum for the reference years 2004 and 2005 in Belgium.
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Publication date: 01 December 2006
What is the Belgian approach towards highly skilled workers from third countries? This study examines in detail the selection criteria, admission requirements, procedures for issuing work permits and the available data on the subject.
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Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: highly skilled, labour demand, labour migration, work permit
Publication date: 30 June 2006
This study examines the migration of students and professionals in the health sector in Belgium. It addresses various issues relating to qualifications and attractiveness of the education system and limitations to the migration of health professionals from third countries.
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Main theme: Economic migration
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: education, employment, labour shortages
Publication date: 01 November 2005
What are the rights of third country nationals residing illegally in Belgium, including access to medical care, housing and social security? How numerous are they and which difficulties are theirs? This study responds to these questions and also examines measures taken to address such issues.
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Main theme: Irregular Migration
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: informal economy, irregular resident, rights, stocks
Publication date: 31 May 2005
How did the reception system for asylum seekers develop in Belgium? What are its missions and responsibilities, its strengths and weaknesses? This study explores these questions and also looks in particular at the situation of applicants, including minors.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: accomodation, benefits, financial aid, health care, social assistance
Publication date: 04 January 2005
This report – Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2004 – gives an overview of developments and changes that have taken place in Belgium in the field of migration and asylum in the reference year.
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Main theme: Asylum, Migration, Cross-sectional
Publication Type: Annual Policy Reports
Keywords: migration policy
Publication date:
According to figures published by Statbel on 10 June 2026, 69.017 persons acquired Belgian nationality in 2025. The most common previous nationalities among those who became Belgian were Moroccan, Romanian, Syrian, Polish and Italian. Compared to 2024, the number of acquisitions of Belgian nationality increased by almost 9.000.
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Main theme: Citizenship & Nationality
Keywords: Belgian nationality, access to nationality
Publication date:
On 26 May 2026, EMN Belgium gathered over 130 key stakeholders in the fields of asylum and migration. This event also marked the launch of the Belgian Asylum and Migration Overview 2025, which highlights the principal developments in asylum and migration in Belgium over the previous year. The diverse audience of experts engaged in reflection and discussion on recent trends in the field, as well as on strengthened cooperation within the Belgian asylum and migration system. The day also included breakout session on key topics, alongside informal networking to build connections and inspire new collaborations.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: annual EMN policy event
Publication date:
The Belgian Council of Ministers has approved a draft bill aimed at strengthening rules on labour migration and improving the framework for highly qualified non-EU workers. The proposal includes measures aimed at strengthening the fight against fraud linked to labour migration, while also seeking to make the European Blue Card more attractive for highly qualified workers from outside the European Union. The draft bill also provides for additional protection for workers who are victims of certain social law infringements committed by employers. The text will now be submitted to the Council of State for advice.
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Main theme: Economic migration
Keywords: labour migration, highly skilled workers, EU blue card, single permit, fraud, infringement, exploitation
Publication date:
DUO for a JOB has launched a national awareness campaign highlighting the persistence of discrimination in recruitment processes in Belgium. The initiative uses the format of the well-known game “Guess Who?” to illustrate how candidates may still be excluded on the basis of appearance, name, origin or accent rather than skills. The campaign is being rolled out in May across public spaces, including stations and metro networks in several Belgian cities.
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Main theme: Integration
Keywords: labour market access, discrimination, recruitment
Publication date:
On 6 May, the United Nations Human Rights Council reviewed Belgium under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a peer-review mechanism assessing the human rights situation in all UN Member States. The review examined the implementation of previous recommendations and the current situation across a range of policy areas, including asylum, migration and detention.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: Universal Periodic Review, Belgium, human rights
Publication date:
The Belgian Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) announces a series of changes that will apply from 12 June 2026. These changes are part of the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted in 2024. They will affect asylum procedures, operational practices and new institutional responsibilities.
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Publication date:
The Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL) has made the use of its child-friendly courtroom (“Salle M”) a structural arrangement as of March 2026. The measure applies to asylum appeal cases involving unaccompanied minors and is accompanied by adapted summonses, age-appropriate information materials, and strengthened judicial training on children’s rights. The initiative builds on a pilot phase and forms part of broader European efforts to enhance child-friendly justice.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Keywords: Council for Alien Law Litigation, unaccompanied minors, courtroom, hearing room
Publication date:
On 23 April 2026, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted a bill introducing the possibility of imposing a lifetime entry ban on certain foreign nationals. The measure concerns individuals registered in the national database on terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and amends the Law of 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, establishment and removal of foreign nationals.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa, Return & Readmission
Keywords: Belgium, lifetime, entry ban
Publication date:
Coastal rescue services along the Belgian North Sea are being briefed on how to respond to increased small boat activity linked to attempted irregular crossings towards the United Kingdom. The sessions aim to strengthen awareness and improve coordination with relevant authorities ahead of the start of the beach surveillance season.
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Main theme: Irregular Migration, Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: small boat, human smuggling, Belgian coast, rescue services
Publication date:
On 22 April 2026, the Belgian Federal Ombudsman published its annual report for 2025. The institution recorded a further increase in the number of cases handled, with migration-related issues remaining the main source of complaints. The report highlights recurring concerns linked to administrative procedures, in particular in the field of visas and residence-related decisions.
