The draft law builds on the Belgian government agreement, which emphasises that newcomers are expected to make efforts to integrate and contribute to the social system. Some of these measures had already been approved by the Council of Ministers on 23 December 2025, when a draft law proposed integration obligations for recognised refugees and certain other newcomers.

The draft law approved by the Council of Ministers on 20 March 2026 concerns beneficiaries of subsidiary and temporary protection. Under the proposal, when a Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS/OCMW) grants social assistance to a beneficiary of subsidiary or temporary protection, the amount would initially be set at 70% of the reference level defined in Article 14 of the 26 May 2002 law on the right to social integration, corresponding to the applicable category. This amount could be increased up to the full reference level if the beneficiary demonstrates sufficient integration efforts within the framework of the Individual Social Integration Project (ISIP). The ISIP would have to provide, at a minimum, for participation in an integration path whenever it is organised by the regional authorities.

When such a path is not available, the beneficiary would need to demonstrate by other appropriate means that they are making sufficient integration efforts. Any adjustment would need to ensure that the person retains sufficient means to live in dignity.

For further details, please read the press release from the Council of Minister from 20 March 2026 (in French or in Dutch), and the press release from the NVA (in French).