Belgium prioritizes deportation after the number of returns of illegal migrants reaches the highest level in seven years
Belgium reported a 25% increase in the number of prisoners without legal residency being returned to their countries, marking the highest level in seven years, according to the Minister of Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden.
This increase comes after a previous decline in new asylum applications, as authorities are now focusing on returning individuals already within the system. Since the current government took office, priority has been given to deporting foreigners who have committed crimes or are residing illegally.
The Immigration Authority has redistributed more staff to the return units working with prisons and appointed a coordinator for managing overcrowding. In 2024, an average of 105 detainees were deported monthly, and since September 2025, this number has risen to about 146 monthly.
Minister Annelies Van Bossuyt said that the numbers are expected to rise further. The planned measures include increasing the number of staff to accompany deportees, improving cooperation with airlines, and expanding capacity in closed detention centers.
Belgium is also seeking to establish stronger deportation agreements with countries of origin, linked to cooperation on entry visas and economic incentives. At the European level, discussions are underway to resume return operations to Afghanistan, a sensitive issue that requires communication with the Taliban authorities.