News

Stricter rules against abuse of student visas

30 August 2018

From the new academic year onwards, foreign students’ results at Belgian university colleges and universities will count towards the recognition of their student visas. In this manner, Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken aims to prevent abuse of the student visa. “We notice …

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Flanders among Europe’s leaders in innovation

28 August 2018

In 2016, Flanders invested a record amount of EUR 6.7 billion in research and development, representing 2.7% of GDP. This means that Flanders is doing far better than the European average of 1.94%. Flemish Minister for Innovation Philippe Muyters is pleased with the strong average, but is setting …

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“Far too many have been let in”

24 August 2018
Theo Francken

“It stops here. We are no longer taking in illegal migrants who leave North Africa by boat.” Yesterday evening, Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken once again emphasised his point. He reiterated that the priority is to deport criminals. “The focus is on those who cause a …

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Around 28,000 jobs at risk in case of no-deal Brexit

23 August 2018
Brexit

“A Brexit without an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union would be a disaster.” Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois hopes that the British will let common sense prevail. “Flanders could lose up to 28,000 jobs with a ‘no-deal Brexit’. Many sectors should be concerned,” …

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834 flagged persons discovered thanks to passenger screening

17 August 2018

Since April, the screening of passenger data at airports has already resulted in 834 flagged persons being discovered. In ten percent of cases, the airport police had to intervene. Minister of the Interior Jan Jambon calls the screenings a success story in the fight against crime and terrorism …

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One single approach for transmigrants, from Brussels to the coast

13 August 2018
Jan Jambon

“Every authority, from mayor to minister, must unite on this approach. From Brussels to the coast.” Minister of the Interior Jan Jambon wants a single approach for transmigrants across the country. He asks that mayors follow the federal government’s quick enforcement response policy. Belgium …

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