The proposals follow the Belgian government agreement, which emphasises that newcomers are expected to make efforts to integrate and contribute to the social system. The coalition agreement sets principles for access to social assistance for recognised refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, temporarily displaced persons, and EU citizens, including conditions for residence, integration, and verification by the relevant authorities.

For recognised refugees, the draft law specifies that their ISIP, a formal agreement between the Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS/OCMW) and the beneficiary, would have to provide, at a minimum, for participation in a reinforced integration path whenever it is organised by the regional authorities. To enable this, the draft law foresees the conclusion of a cooperation agreement to facilitate the exchange of personal data between the CPAS/OCMW and the federated entities. The CPAS/OCMW would apply specific sanctions if the obligations set out in the ISIP are not respected.

The draft law also affects other newcomers. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection would see the removal of their right to social integration income, while other new arrivals, including third-country students and economically inactive EU citizens, would have to meet standard eligibility rules such as five years of legal residence before accessing social assistance. Exceptions would remain for vulnerable groups, including those with a medical regularisation or victims of human trafficking.

The draft law has been sent to the Council of State and the federations of Public Centres for Social Welfare (CPAS/OCMW) for advice. The Centre d’Action Laïque has already stated that limiting access to social assistance could reduce opportunities for integration and called for maintaining broader rights for newcomers. In addition, some civil society organisations and trade unions have expressed concerns in a broader context of social reforms, warning that vulnerable groups could be excluded from adequate support, potentially creating social and legal challenges.

For further details, please read the press release from the Council of Ministers (in French or in Dutch) and the press release from Anneleen Van Bossuyt (in Dutch).