The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGVS) announced on 15 January 2026 that it is temporarily suspending the processing of applications for international protection from Iranian nationals. The CGVS stated that, given the current situation in Iran and the difficulty in obtaining sufficiently reliable and up-to-date information, it is currently unable to assess the need for protection accurately.

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.

On 12 January 2026, Myria issued a press release regarding a joint opinion with the Federal Institute for Human Rights (IFDH) on a draft law concerning the automatic loss of Belgian nationality. The joint opinion raises concerns over the significant expansion of offences and individuals affected, including dual nationals and Belgian-born citizens. Myria and IFDH highlight potential conflicts with equality, procedural safeguards, and fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence. The press release draws attention to the consequences for residence rights and the need for thorough judicial review.

On 8 January 2026, the Resettlement Coalition issued a joint statement expressing concern over the European Union’s newly adopted Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Plan (URP) for 2026–2027. While welcoming the plan’s adoption as a step towards embedding resettlement in EU migration policy, the coalition highlighted that the number of pledges is dramatically lower than previous commitments and that the eligibility criteria are narrow. The statement calls on EU Member States to increase their contributions and ensure that protection needs remain central to resettlement efforts.

From 1 January 2026, the Onder1Dak project, which promotes co-housing between private homeowners and recognised refugees in Flanders, has restarted following renewed support from the Flemish Minister for Civic Integration and Integration. The initiative aims to facilitate access to housing while supporting the social and professional integration of recognised refugees.

On 1 January 2026, Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. The Presidency’s programme includes the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the efficiency of asylum and return systems, and cooperation with third countries. International organisations have issued recommendations to the Cyprus Presidency on migration and asylum.

Vandaag, op 20 december, werd in het Belgisch Staatsblad de omzendbrief van 13 december 2013 gepubliceerd tot interpretatie van de bepalingen gezinshereniging na het arrest van het Grondwettelijk Hof.

In het arrest nr 166/2013 van vandaag 19 December 2013, wijst het Grondwettelijk Hof een beroep af ingediend met betrekking tot de vasthouding van families met kinderen.

De PES Groep binnen het Comité van de Regio's nodigt alle geïnteresseerden uit om deel te nemen aan het debat rond - het gebrek aan - de ontwikkeling van een Gemeenschappelijk Europees Asielsysteem en een Europees Migratiebeleid.

De tragedie in Lampedusa ontluikte een ongeziene roep naar actie door zowel leiders als burgers in de EU. Op 4 december heeft de Commissie voorstellen gelanceerd op solidariteit en wederzijdse steun te promoten, om nog meer verlies van levens te voorkomen.

Ter afsluiting van haar 3279e bijeenkomst op 5 en 6 december, presenteert de JBZ Raad haar conclusies. De vrijheid van verkeer, de Task Force Mediterranea, de integrale toepassing van het Schengenacquis door Roemenië en Bulgarije en het Europees Burgerschapsrapport 2013 werden besproken.

Op 5 december heeft de Raad van de EU unaniem een verordening goedgekeurd, waarmee ze een opschortings- en wederkerigheidsmechanisme toevoegt aan de verordening die bepaalt voor welke derdelanders een visum vereist is om de EU binnen te komen.

Op 2 december treedt het Europees Grensbewakingssysteem in werking. EUROSUR zal bijdragen tot het redden van levens, de EU en de Lidstaten betere instrumenten aanreiken om grensoverschrijdende criminaliteit te voorkomen en bijstand verlenen in het opsporen en redden van migrantenbootjes in nood.

Today 2 December 2013, the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) becomes operational. EUROSUR should allow Member States to react much faster to any incidents concerning irregular migration and cross-border crime or relating to a risk to the lives of migrants.