Publication date: 20 January 2010
This report – Belgian Policy Report on Asylum and Migration 2009 – 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 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:
On the occasion of the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings on 18 October, PAG-ASA is organising the fifth edition of its Human Trafficking Awareness Week in Brussels. From 12 to 18 October, a series of activities will raise awareness of the different forms of human trafficking, its impact on victims and the Belgian protection framework. The programme includes a public awareness installation, a documentary screening, professional training sessions and a photographic exhibition.
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Main theme: Irregular Migration
Keywords: human trafficking awareness week
Publication date:
Trade unions have filed a joint strike notice at Belgium’s closed centres, citing staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure and increasing aggression towards staff. They are calling for better staffing levels, additional resources and improved working conditions. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt has responded by highlighting measures already taken to address staffing and infrastructure needs.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: closed centre, Belgium, strike, staff shortage, infrastructure, psychological vulnerability
Publication date:
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its fourth evaluation report on Belgium, covering the period from July 2022 to June 2026. The report examines vulnerabilities to trafficking, measures to prevent and detect them, and the identification, protection and assistance of victims. It also assesses investigations and prosecutions and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in trafficking. GRETA identifies a number of areas where further action is needed to strengthen Belgium’s response to human trafficking.
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Publication date:
More than 3.600 people took part in the Refugee Walk organised by Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen on 4 October 2026. Participants walked 20 or 40 kilometres from Brussels or followed a route of their choice. According to the organisation, the event had raised €750.000 by the day of the walk, exceeding its initial target of €500.000. The funds will support Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen’s activities for people seeking protection in Belgium.
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Main theme: International Protection
Keywords: fundraising, applicant for international protection
Publication date:
The Samusocial emergency shelter at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Brussels closed on 30 September 2026, after eight months of operation. The closure results in the loss of 130 emergency accommodation places for single men, reducing the Samusocial's capacity for this group from 370 to 240 places.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: extreme cold plan, emergency shelter, single men
Publication date:
Belgium begins the gradual introduction of a new model of the Registration Certificate (RC), also known as the “orange card”, on 28 September 2026. The new RC takes the form of a secure passport-type booklet and is being introduced alongside the existing orange card and temporary A4 model.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection, Family Migration
Keywords: residence document, Belgium, registration certificate, orange card, document security
Publication date:
Fedasil has announced the deactivation of 560 accommodation places for unaccompanied minors (UAMs), following a decrease in the number of UAM arrivals in Belgium since 2023. The measure forms part of Fedasil’s policy of adjusting its reception capacity to changing needs.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Keywords: reception place, unaccompanied minors, buffer capacity
Publication date:
On 21 September 2026, Caritas International Belgium launched its "Humanity Is Unstoppable" campaign in Brussels. A large teddy bear appeared at several locations across the city, including Brussels-Central station, the Grand-Place, Flagey and Place Luxembourg, to draw attention to the experiences of people forced to flee, particularly children.
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Main theme: Reception, International Protection
Keywords: awareness campaign, dignified reception, humanity
Publication date:
On 17 September 2026, a delegation of the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) concluded an ad hoc visit to Belgium, carried out from 8 to 17 September. The visit focused on the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty under immigration legislation.
