Based on statistics published by the Immigration Office, 2.380 applications for temporary protection were refused between January and October 2025, compared with 883 in 2024, 1.079 in 2023 and 1.578 in 2022. The figures concern mainly Ukrainians, with smaller numbers from other nationalities such as Moldova, Armenia and Russia.

In this context, Caritas International, Orbit, Ukrainian Voices and Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen published a statement on 26 November expressing concern about the growing number of refusals and their impact on newly arrived displaced persons. The organisations also highlighted that uncertainty is affecting those who have been in Belgium for several years, given that the European decision on temporary protection extends the system for Ukrainians only until 4 March 2027.

Belgian Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt explained that many refusals concern people who were already residing in another EU Member State or already held protection elsewhere at the time of the Russian invasion. She emphasised that Belgium remains supportive of Ukraine but seeks to prevent misuse of the temporary protection procedure.

The NGOs emphasised that solutions exist and recommended: a more streamlined registration procedure for all applicants; sufficient access to emergency accommodation; and faster transitions to stable and adequate housing. They also stressed the need to clarify responsibilities between different levels of government and to strengthen the resources of CPAS, which are already under pressure. Access to employment could also be simplified to enhance the autonomy of displaced persons.

For more information, please see the news released by Caritas International, Orbit and Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen.