Publication date:
Since June 4, 2012 the annual report 2011 of the Immigration Department is available
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Publication date: 27 February 2012
This ad hoc query has been answered by 12 European Member States and by Norway. The participating countries explain their national legislations concerning the long-term visa (D visa).
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Publication date: 09 January 2012
Irregular migration is a subject of ongoing public debate in Europe. Policy makers are under pressure to reduce it and majorities often view it as a problem. Have policy interventions contributed to a decline in irregular migration? Have new hotspots of irregular entry emerged?
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Main theme: Borders & Visa, Irregular Migration
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: border management, detection, illegal entry
Publication date: 13 October 2011
This study examines the impact of the visa policy on legal and illegal migration in Belgium. It is limited to nationals from third countries, with exception of family members of EU nationals or Belgians. Short-stay visas of max. 3 months and D visas for stays of more than 3 months are discussed
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Publication date: 23 June 2011
This is the Annual Report 2010 of the Belgian Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken/Office des Etrangers)
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Publication date: 25 May 2011
Ad hoc query, requested on February 16, 2011, by the Dutch NCP concerning foreign national passports, sent by mail to the holder or a family member (so-called 'blank passports'). 16 responses
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Publication date: 20 May 2011
The Annual Risk Analysis Report of EU Agency FRONTEX, in charge for the coordination of the operational cooperation between Member States in the field of border security
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Main theme: Migration, Borders & Visa, Irregular Migration, Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: border control, risk analysis
Publication date: 11 May 2011
The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism (Centre) published a report about the respecting of fundamental rights of detainees of the INAD-Centre on Brussels Airport
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Main theme: International Protection, Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: detention, INAD-centre
Publication date:
This report describes the activities of the Immigration Office for the year 2009 regarding the entry, stay, settlement and removal of foreign nationals.
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Publication date: 01 April 2011
Ad hoc query, requested by the Belgian NCP on 18 February 2010 concerning a possible increase of asylum applicants from Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro due to the lifting of visa obligations for citizens of those countries - 17 responses
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, visa liberalisation
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
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The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has clarified that detention centres holding applicants for international protection under the border procedure do not need to be located at the external border of a Member State. It also confirmed that continued detention after the expiry of the border procedure time limit may be permissible under certain conditions. The judgment further addresses the validity of procedural steps taken during the border procedure and reiterates key safeguards under EU law.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: border procedure, detention, detention center, applicant for international protection, risk of absconding
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Belgium and Algeria have signed two linked agreements, one on the readmission of irregularly staying Algerians and another providing a visa exemption for holders of Algerian diplomatic and service passports. The readmission agreement introduces measures to speed up identification, extend the validity of travel documents, allow the return of multiple individuals on the same flight, and permit the use of Algerian escorts during enforced returns.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa, Return & Readmission
Keywords: Belgium, Algeria, readmission agreement, visa exemption
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Belgium has postponed the registration of biometric data for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. The measure, announced by the Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, follows significant queues and operational disruptions at Brussels Airport. The decision affects the gradual implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and aims to ensure border checks can be conducted under acceptable conditions for passengers.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: entry exit system, biometric data, registration, Brussels Airport, delay
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On 1 February 2026, Belgian Ministers Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Asylum and Migration) and Bernard Quintin (Interior) announced the extension of targeted internal checks, in place since July 2025, until at least 31 July 2026. The measures aim to curb irregular migration and secondary movements into Belgium while enforcing residence requirements and enhancing security. Targeted checks are conducted on major roads, long‑distance buses, selected trains, and intra‑Schengen flights.
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The documents set out key elements of the European Commission’s approach to managing international mobility to the EU. The EU Visa Strategy aims to strengthen the Union’s security and integrity through enhanced visa procedures, modernise the processing and management of visas, and support the EU’s economy and competitiveness by facilitating legitimate travel. Complementing this, the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation provides guidance to Member States on attracting, admitting, and retaining international students, researchers, highly skilled workers, and innovative entrepreneurs.
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Main theme: Economic migration, Study § Training, Borders & Visa
Keywords: visa policy, visa strategy, talent attraction, talent retention
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The Federal Ombudsman has highlighted persistent challenges for individuals required to submit visa applications in person at Belgian diplomatic or consular posts. These requirements can create significant financial, administrative, and security burdens, particularly for applicants living far from a competent post or in conflict-affected regions. The Ombudsman recommends reviewing visa submission procedures to improve accessibility and consistency.
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Main theme: Family reunification, Borders & Visa
Keywords: visa application, diplomatic post, consular post, submission, Afrin
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The Belgian Council of Ministers has approved a draft law providing for the possibility of imposing lifetime entry bans on individuals who pose a genuine security threat, based on an assessment by the Coordinating Body for Threat Analysis (OCAM). The measure is intended to implement a commitment set out in the government agreement and envisage amendments to several provisions of the Aliens Act of 15 December 1980. The draft law will now be submitted to the Council of State for its opinion.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: entry ban, security threat, terrorism
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On 12 October 2025, Belgium began implementing the European Entry-Exit System (EES) for third-country nationals travelling to Europe for short stays. Brussels Airport and Brussels-Midi station (for Eurostar passengers) have planned the necessary infrastructure and procedures to support border registration. EU and Schengen-area travellers are not affected. Full implementation across Europe is scheduled for 10 April 2026.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: entry exit system, Brussels Airport, border control, non-EU national, Eurostar passenger
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The European Parliament has approved legislation making it easier to suspend visa-free travel to the EU in cases of security risks, hybrid threats or human rights breaches. The reform introduces new grounds for suspension, including the use of “golden passports” and violations of international law, and allows targeted suspensions for government officials deemed responsible for abuses. The agreement will take effect once formally adopted by the Council.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: visa suspension mechanism, new ground for suspension, targeted suspension, threshold for action
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On 2 October 2025, EMN Belgium held an information session for new visa officers of the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs. During this information session, the Belgian institutional framework for migration and asylum policies was presented.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: family reunification visa, visa code, student visa
Minister Van Bossuyt updates Parliament on internal checks against irregular and secondary migration
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Belgium introduced targeted internal checks in July 2025 to address irregular and secondary migration. The measures are applied at airports, international bus and rail stations, and motorway rest areas. Over 11.000 individuals have been checked, with some ordered to leave the territory or placed in closed centres. The government plans to continue the checks and to conduct a six‑month evaluation.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa, Irregular Migration
Keywords: checks, Belgian territory, irregularly staying third-country national, secondary movement
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The European Commission announced that the operations of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an advanced IT system that will digitally record the entries and exits of third-country nationals traveling to 29 European countries for short stays, are set to start on 12 October 2025.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: border management, entry exit system, European Commission
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On 24 June 2025, EMN Belgium participated in the Polish Presidency Conference on countering irregular migration. The discussions examined this phenomenon from three perspectives: strengthening the EU’s external borders to prevent irregular entries, combating migrant smuggling to dismantle criminal networks, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration and providing safe and legal alternatives.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa, Irregular Migration, Smuggling & Trafficking
Keywords: external border, border control, migrant smuggling, criminal network, root causes, legal pathway
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On 19 June 2025, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt announced that, starting from summer 2025, federal police, local police, and the Immigration Office will collaborate to conduct targeted checks within Belgium. These measures aim to combat irregular migration and secondary movements towards Belgium. Reactions have emerged regarding the capacity required to implement such checks, their actual effectiveness in reducing irregular migration, and whether they can deliver a real deterrent effect or remain largely symbolic.
