A country of origin can be considered as safe if there is generally and consistently no persecution or risk of suffering serious harm. In order to determine if a country is safe, the legal situation, the application of the law and the general political conditions in the country are taken into account. The list is revised at least once a year and can be updated on the basis of the most recent situation in the country. Belgium updated this list on 12 May 2024 and published it today in the Official Journal.

The following countries are considered as safe countries of origin: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, India and Moldova. These are the same countries as those listed in the Royal Decree of 7 April 2023, with the exception of Moldova, which was added to the list of safe countries of origin.

To citizens of a country that figures on the list of safe countries of origin, the presumption applies that international protection is not necessary. Therefore, asylum seekers from those countries must submit elements that clearly show that in their case, their country cannot be considered as safe. As a result, the burden of proof rests with the asylum seeker.

For further information, read the Royal Decree establishing the list of safe countries of origin (in French or in Dutch) and the press release from the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons.