This conference will explore European and Dutch experiences in supporting the early integration of applicants for international protection, with a particular focus on employment, language learning and cultural orientation. Drawing on the findings of a new EMN Inform, the event will bring together policymakers, experts and practitioners to discuss different national approaches, implementation challenges and good practices across Europe.

The European Commission has rejected calls from the aviation sector and the Port of Dover to suspend the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) during the summer travel season. While acknowledging operational difficulties at around 20 external border crossing points, the Commission considers that suspending the system would not be appropriate. It has instead announced additional efforts to support Member States facing implementation challenges.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled on the compatibility of a national residence requirement with EU equal treatment rules. The Court examined whether a 10-year residence condition could be applied to beneficiaries of international protection in order to access a social benefit. It found that the measure constitutes indirect discrimination prohibited under EU law.

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.

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.

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.

The Belgian Constitutional Court has clarified how the means of subsistence requirement applies in family reunification applications. The ruling establishes that the means of subsistence of both the Belgian sponsor and their partner must be taken into account when assessing compliance with this requirement. Previously, some applications were refused because only the sponsor’s means were considered. The decision aims to ensure compliance with principles of equality, non-discrimination, and respect for family life.

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.

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. 

On 20 March 2026, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft law that would link the level of social assistance granted to beneficiaries of subsidiary and temporary protection to their participation in integration efforts through the Individual Social Integration Project (ISIP). Under the proposal, the amount of social assistance could be adjusted depending on the efforts made by the beneficiary to integrate.

The Belgian Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended legislative measures introduced in 2025 that tightened rules on material reception conditions for asylum seekers and family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. The suspensions concern two separate laws, and the Court has referred several preliminary questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to clarify their compatibility with EU law.

Twenty-five organisations have submitted a petition to the Belgian Constitutional Court challenging the new family reunification law, which entered into force in August 2025. The petition highlights concerns that the law creates barriers that may prevent families from reuniting, potentially separating children from their parents indefinitely.

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.

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.

Fragomen will host a webinar on recent changes to Belgium’s immigration policies. The session will cover two main areas: first, new rules in the Flanders Region concerning economic migration, including labour migration pathways, contractual liability, and labour market testing; and second, nationwide modifications affecting family reunification, such as stricter financial criteria for visa applications. The webinar will also highlight practical implications for businesses employing foreign nationals.