Council of Ministers approves crisis measures package in response to increased asylum applications
On 11 April 2025, the Belgian Council of Ministers agreed on a package of crisis measures aimed at addressing key issues in the field of asylum and migration. The measures include limitations on reception for asylum seekers, restrictions on subsequent applications for international protection, stricter family reunification conditions, and the termination of integration income for asylum seekers. The four draft bills and the draft royal decree have been submitted to the Council of State for review.
On the proposal of Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, the Council of Ministers agreed on the following key measures in the field of asylum and migration:
- Limiting reception: Reception will be restricted for individuals if they (i) have already received protection in another EU Member State, (ii) are minors applying independently after their parents’ application has been denied.
- Restricting subsequent applications: If an individual has previously applied for protection in another country and received a decision, but later submitted a new application in Belgium, the review will be limited to new elements that significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining protection. The final decision from the other EU Member State will be accepted under the principle of mutual trust, and the application in Belgium will be deemed inadmissible.
- Stricter family reunification: The financial requirement for family reunification will increase to 110% of the guaranteed minimum income, with an additional 10% for each extra person. The waiting period for reunification will be extended by up to two years, depending on the applicant’s status. For recognised refugees, the waiting period for family reunification without conditions will be reduced to 6 months. Rules for family reunification will also be tightened for those with subsidiary or temporary protection. To prevent forced and child marriages, the age limit for family reunification with a spouse or legally registered partner will be raised to 21 years, where permitted by relevant EU legal instruments.
- Ending integration income for applicants for international protection: Applicants will no longer be eligible for social assistance from public welfare centres. Only Fedasil, the Federal Agency for Asylum Seekers, will provide material support.
The four draft bills and the draft royal decree have been submitted to the Council of State for review.
For further information, please read the press release from the Council of Ministers (in French or in Dutch).