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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.
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Hoofdthema: Family reunification
Trefwoorden: family reunification law, access to family reunification, petition, Constitutional Court
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On 4 February 2026, Human Rights Watch published World Report 2026, its annual review of human rights worldwide. In a chapter on the European Union, the report highlights concerns that EU policies and Member State actions may undermine the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It notes, inter alia, restrictions on access to asylum, measures aimed at increasing removals, and the transfer of responsibility to third countries. The report also draws attention to human rights issues at EU borders and deaths at sea.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: asylum policy, migration policy, return regulation, human rights, rights violations
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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.
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Hoofdthema: Borders & Visa, Irregular Migration
Trefwoorden: Schengen borders code, checks, Belgian territory, irregularly staying third-country national, secondary movement
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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.
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Hoofdthema: Economic migration, Study § Training, Borders & Visa
Trefwoorden: visa policy, visa strategy, talent attraction, talent retention
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On 3 February 2026, Fedasil published its statistics on voluntary returns for 2025. A total of 3.122 people chose to return to their country of origin. The number is slightly lower than in 2024 but higher than in 2023. The top destination countries include Brazil, Moldova, Syria, Colombia, and Turkey.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: voluntary return, reintegration assistance
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Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, has published a new thematic booklet as part of its annual report "Migration in figures and rights 2025". The publication presents recent figures on return, detention and removal, while analysing major legislative developments in Belgian return policy. It also examines the situation of detainees without legal residence in Belgian prisons and reviews the creation of the National Preventive Mechanism against ill-treatment in detention. According to Myria, return indicators have continued to rise after the pandemic, while new laws significantly expand the use of control and coercive measures.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: return policy, detention, voluntary return, forced return, National Preventive Mechanism, Convention against Torture
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On 29 January 2026, the European Commission presented the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, setting out the Union’s objectives on asylum and migration for the next five years. The Strategy identifies three overarching objectives: preventing irregular migration and disrupting smuggling networks; protecting people fleeing conflict and persecution while preventing abuse of the asylum system; and attracting talent to support the EU economy. It also outlines a set of priorities to guide EU action in the coming years.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: asylum and migration management regulation, European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy
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Belgium has confirmed its participation in an exploratory administrative mission to Afghanistan, representing 20 European Union Member States. The announcement was made by Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. The mission, organised by the European Commission, aimed to establish technical administrative contacts with Afghan authorities. The initiative has drawn attention from refugee organisations, which have expressed concern about engagement with the Taliban regime.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: voluntary return, forced return, illegally staying person, Afghanistan, identification, criminal foreigner
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During the informal European Justice and Home Affairs Council in Cyprus on 22 January 2026, Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt announced targeted measures to encourage the voluntary return of Syrian nationals. The plan includes enhanced reintegration assistance for Syrians choosing to return to their country, while continuing to implement forced returns for non-cooperating individuals in general, prioritising those irregularly staying in Belgium with criminal convictions.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: voluntary return, reintegration assistance, Syria
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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.
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Hoofdthema: Citizenship & Nationality
Trefwoorden: Belgian nationality, loss of nationality, residence, dual national, criminal offence, fundamental right
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This conference will address the pressing issue of human trafficking affecting young people in Belgium, including sexual exploitation, forced criminality, and economic exploitation. It will bring together international experts, as well as Minister Yves Coppieters, responsible for Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities, to discuss the current situation, share experiences, and highlight effective measures to protect youth. The Samilia Prize will be presented later in the evening.
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Hoofdthema: Smuggling & Trafficking
Trefwoorden: human trafficking, awareness-raising, young people, Samilia Prize
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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.
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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.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Cyprus, presidency, Council of the European Union
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Nu 2025 ten einde loopt, wil het EMN België-team u graag bedanken voor uw voortdurende interesse in en betrokkenheid bij het werk van het Europees Migratienetwerk. Uw actieve deelname is van essentieel belang geweest voor het ondersteunen van uitwisselingen en het bevorderen van een gedeeld begrip van belangrijke ontwikkelingen en uitdagingen op het gebied van asiel en migratie.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: kerstmis, eindejaarswensen, EMN
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The Belgian Council of Ministers has taken note of a strategic vision for the reorganisation and centralisation of the federal administrative landscape. The plan foresees the regrouping of asylum and migration services under a dedicated Federal Public Service (FPS) Migration. The Council of Ministers has approved a timeline for the reorganisation and centralisation and has tasked the Minister for Public Administration with overseeing its implementation.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: federal administration, Belgium, Federal Public Service Migration
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In its judgment in Case C-679/23 P (WS and Others v Frontex), the Court of Justice of the European Union found that Frontex has specific obligations under EU law in joint return operations, including verifying the existence of enforceable return decisions for all persons involved. The ruling also emphasised that infringements of fundamental rights during such operations may give rise to the agency’s liability.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: joint return operation, Frontex, liability, enforceable return decision, fundamental right
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The Council of the European Union has formally adopted the Annual Solidarity Pool for 2026 under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The mechanism aims to support Member States under migratory pressure through relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions and alternative solidarity measures. Belgium has committed around €12.9 million to the pool.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, relocation, financial contribution
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According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 5.925 persons obtained Belgian nationality in September 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in September are Morocco, Romania, Syria, Poland and Italy.
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Hoofdthema: Data & Statistics, Citizenship & Nationality
Trefwoorden: Belgian nationality, access to nationality
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The Council of the European Union has agreed its position on a proposal for an EU regulation establishing a common system for the return of third‑country nationals staying in the EU illegally. The proposed regulation introduces common procedures, obligations for those without the right to stay, and tools for cooperation between Member States. It also allows for the creation of return hubs in third countries. Negotiations with the European Parliament will follow to agree on the final text.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: forced return, illegally staying person, return regulation, return hub, European return order, mutual recognition of return decisions
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EU Home Affairs Ministers have reached a political agreement on the 2026 solidarity pool, a central component of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The deal sets binding targets of 21.000 relocations or €420 million in contributions, aimed at supporting Member States under migratory pressure. Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Spain are identified as beneficiaries once the Pact becomes applicable in June 2026. The agreement marks a step forward for the solidarity dimension of the Pact, although its practical impact will depend on future implementation.
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Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, migratory pressure, relocation, financial contribution
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The TRAQ study day will take a close look at the status of victims of smuggling in human beings under aggravating circumstances in Belgium. Introduced in 2006, this residence status for victims who cooperate with authorities has seen limited use and has never been thoroughly analysed. Within the framework of « TRAQ » (Trafic Analyses Qualitatives), Myria and the National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology (INCC) conducted a study on its implementation. The findings will be shared to stimulate discussion and reflection among experts and stakeholders.
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Hoofdthema: Smuggling & Trafficking
Trefwoorden: victim of smuggling, aggravated circumstances, legal status
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On 3 December, CIRÉ launched a campaign to inform the public about a draft law that would permit police, under judicial authorisation, to carry out home searches in specific cases involving foreign nationals subject to enforceable return decisions. The organisation highlights potential concerns regarding privacy and constitutional rights. Several Brussels municipalities have already expressed opposition to the measure. The campaign aims to encourage parliamentary scrutiny and public debate on the proposal.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: forced return, home search, illegally staying person, threat to public order
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On 1 December 2025, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the revision of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). The updated framework introduces, for the first time, a link between trade benefits and the cooperation of developing countries on migration and readmission of their nationals. The legislation is expected to apply from 1 January 2027.
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Hoofdthema: Return & Readmission
Trefwoorden: Generalised Scheme of Preferences, trade policy, readmission, cooperation
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Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, has published a new thematic report on the right to family life as part of its annual report "Migration in Figures and Rights 2025". The report provides updated data on first residence permits and visas for family reasons. It also examines recent legislative reforms, which Myria stresses will need close monitoring due to their potential impact on access to family reunification, integration outcomes, and the risk of poverty.
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Hoofdthema: Family reunification
Trefwoorden: family life, first residence permit, family reunification visa
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The Federal Ombudsman has highlighted persistent challenges for individuals required to submit visa applications in person at Belgian diplomatic or consular posts. These requirements can create significant financial, administrative, and security burdens, particularly for applicants living far from a competent post or in conflict-affected regions. The Ombudsman recommends reviewing visa submission procedures to improve accessibility and consistency.