According to figures published by the Immigration Office, the number of applications for international protection from Congolese nationals increased from 1.238 in 2023 to 2.422 in 2025. In 2026, 198 applications from Congolese nationals were registered in January and 114 in February. The recognition rate for Congolese applicants stood at just under 15% in 2025, with lower rates reported for the beginning of 2026.

Belgian authorities state that a significant share of applicants originates from Kinshasa rather than conflict-affected areas in the east of the country. On this basis, they consider that many applications are based on economic or other non-protection grounds. Such applications are processed through accelerated procedures and rejected. Authorities also refer to alleged misuse of short-stay visa procedures, where individuals enter Belgium on tourist visas and subsequently apply for asylum, as well as cases of document fraud.

During the visit, the Minister is meeting Congolese officials, including Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, as well as representatives of the Direction Générale de la Migration. These exchanges are part of the operational component of the mission, alongside communication activities aimed at informing the public about Belgian asylum procedures and discouraging reliance on smugglers’ promises. The mission is intended to reinforce cooperation on return and the fight against irregular migration.

For further details, please read (in Dutch) the press release from Anneleen Van Bossuyt.