The report notably presents the following figures and trends:

• International protection: 39.615 applications in 2024, marking a continued increase compared to previous years and adding pressure on the asylum and reception system.
   

• Short-stay visas for Belgium: 207.083 applications lodged either at Belgian embassies and consulates abroad or at Belgian border posts at the external Schengen borders. These figures do not include visa applications handled under representation agreements with other Schengen States.
   

• Family reunification visas: 29.367 applications, with about 70% approved; nearly half of refusals were linked to pending DNA tests.
   

• Administrative documents: 161.597 documents processed in 2024, including opinions, decisions, and other official documents, reflecting a rising administrative workload.
   

• Naturalisation-related requests: 45.211 requests examined, with 43.324 opinions delivered and 7.644 still pending at the end of the year.
   

• Support to municipalities: Supervision of 107 municipalities, nearly 29.000 file checks, and training for over 2.500 municipal officials.
   

• Return operations: The report details the organisation of voluntary and forced returns of persons without legal stay, highlighting coordination with Fedasil and other partners.
   

• Closed centres: On average, 627 persons per day were accommodated in closed centres in 2024, used to retain individuals whose return procedures were ongoing.

For further information, please read the report attached above, either in French or in Dutch.