The policy orientation paper outlines several key measures in the following areas:

European and international cooperation: The paper prioritises:

• Implementing the European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

• Maximising the application of the Dublin Regulation.

• Opting for accelerated procedures in handling asylum applications.

• Suspending all forms of resettlement until the asylum and reception crisis is resolved.

• Supporting (EU) partners in exploring innovative alternatives, with a particular focus on the external dimension.

Asylum and Reception: The paper emphasises:

• Reducing the reception network to an adequate number of collective reception places.

• Phasing out the use of hotels and local initiatives for accommodation.

• Expanding Dublin return centres.

• Strengthening control over multiple asylum applications.

• Reinforcing asylum and reception services to address the backlog.

• Streamlining procedures and shortening processing times.

• Correcting the imbalance in granting protection statuses, focusing on reducing refugee status in favor of subsidiary protection.

Migration: The paper highlights:

• Imposing a binding declaration for newcomers.

• Requiring proof of integration from the country of origin, particularly for family reunification.

• Introducing language and integration tests, as well as proof of self-sufficiency, for those seeking permanent or unlimited residence.

• Strengthening regulations around family reunification.

• Increasing oversight on student and worker migration.

• Accelerating and rationalising procedures for the single permit.

• Promoting highly skilled student migration and researchers.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups: The paper proposes:

• Centralising and accelerating the identification and age determination process for unaccompanied minors.

• Designating a provisional guardian when necessary.

• Protecting minor victims of trafficking and human trafficking, inter alia with the establishment of a national coordination centre.

• Strengthening social inspection services, police, and justice systems.

Return and Security: Measures include:

• Requiring mandatory cooperation from irregularly staying individuals for their return to their country of origin.

• Prioritising the return of criminals and individuals committing offences while illegally residing in the country.

• Extending entry bans to their maximum duration.

• Apprehending irregularly staying migrants at home to transfer them to closed detention centres for forced repatriation.

• Establishing detention capacity arrangements in other European rule-of-law states for facilitating returns.

• Doubling the number of places available in closed centres.

• Conditioning bilateral aid and development cooperation on readmission agreements.

Social Welfare System: Measures include:

• Enforcing a five-year waiting period before newcomers are eligible for social assistance.

• Reducing integration income for refugees who refuse to participate in enhanced integration programs.

• Reducing social aid for individuals under subsidiary or temporary protection, complemented by integration bonuses.

Citizenship and Nationality: The paper foresees:

• Introducing a nationality exam, including a citizenship test and a language proficiency test, with higher standards for individuals seeking Belgian nationality.

• Withdrawing nationality rights from individuals deemed a threat to public order or national security, or those with unresolved tax debts.

For further details, please read (in French or in Dutch) the policy orientation paper attached below.