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:
Belgium officially launched its participation in the United Nations Blue Heart Campaign on 27 July 2026 in Namur, ahead of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July. Coordinated by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice together with several national and international partners, the 2026 campaign focuses on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of forced online fraud.
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Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: blue heart campaign, awareness-raising
Conference: The Implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in light of fundamental rights
Publication date:
Four months after the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum became fully applicable across the European Union, this conference will take stock of its initial implementation and examine its implications for fundamental rights. Bringing together legal practitioners, academics, policymakers and civil society representatives, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the first lessons learned in Belgium and across other EU Member States.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: New Pact on Migration and Asylum, implementation
Publication date:
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has announced a further reduction of 700 reception places provided under the Brussels Deal. This follows an earlier reduction of around 300 places announced at the end of June. According to the Minister, the measure reflects a decrease in the need for additional reception capacity for applicants for international protection awaiting access to the Fedasil reception network.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: Brussels Deal, reception place, reduction
Publication date:
The Belgian Council of State has suspended the decision of the Minister of Asylum and Migration to limit material reception conditions for applicants for international protection who have already obtained protection in another EU Member State. In its judgment No. 267.364 of 8 July 2026, the Council of State suspended the measure following an urgent appeal introduced by several organisations active in the field of asylum and migration. The decision concerns a measure adopted following the entry into application of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum on 12 June 2026.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: applicant for international protection, material reception condition, limitation, Council of State, suspension
Publication date:
The Minister of Asylum and Migration, the Belgian Immigration Office and the municipality of Nazareth-De Pinte have announced the opening of a new European Return Centre in Nazareth-De Pinte in autumn 2026. The centre will have a capacity of 300 places and will accommodate applicants for international protection for whom another EU Member State may be responsible for examining their application. The facility will complement the existing Centre in Zaventem and aims to support procedures related to transfers to the responsible Member State.
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Main theme: International Protection
Keywords: applicant for international protection, Dublin Regulation, Dublin transfer, return centre
Publication date:
The City of Tournai has adopted a common protocol to guide the dismantling of informal migrant camps, with the aim of ensuring coordinated interventions while safeguarding the dignity and fundamental rights of the persons concerned. The protocol was developed jointly by local authorities, police and civil society organisations following discussions prompted by previous dismantling operations.
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Main theme: Irregular Migration
Keywords: migrant camp, dismantling, cooperation, fundamental rights
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:
A draft law introducing the possibility of home searches to enforce return decisions has begun its parliamentary examination in the House of Representatives. The measure would concern certain third-country nationals subject to an enforceable return decision who do not cooperate with their return and are considered to pose a risk to public order or national security. Discussed by the Committee on Home Affairs on 16 June 2026, the proposal will be subject to consultations with experts and stakeholders before the committee continues its examination.
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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:
Belgium has adopted new rules governing the renewal of residence permits for third-country national students. The amendments introduce stricter requirements concerning study progress, maximum study duration, changes of study programme and enrolment in non-recognised higher education institutions. They were adopted by Royal Decree of 7 May 2026, published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 21 May 2026, and apply from the 2026/2027 academic year.
