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After 20 years, finally a return agreement with Algeria
After two decades of diplomatic efforts, the federal government has achieved a historic breakthrough in migration policy: Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt announced on De Ochtend a new return agreement with Algeria. “A credible migration policy depends on effective return,” the minister stated.
Last year’s figures illustrate the seriousness of the situation: of the more than 2,200 Algerians ordered to leave Belgium, only 85 actually returned. “With this agreement, we have been able to conclude very concrete measures to significantly increase returns,” said Minister Van Bossuyt.
One of the main objectives of the agreement is to relieve pressure on Belgian prisons. Currently, 780 Algerians – or individuals claiming to be – are in prison, 700 of whom are staying in the country illegally. Van Bossuyt hopes the agreement will be quickly approved by parliament so that this group can be repatriated more swiftly. “Illegal residence remains a criminal offence in this country,” she emphasized.
Four crucial changes
The new agreement introduces four key changes to speed up the process:
- Faster identification: Algeria commits to confirming within two weeks whether someone holds Algerian nationality, a process that previously could take months.
- Longer validity period: the validity of required documents is extended from 24 hours to 30 days, removing administrative obstacles.
- More efficient flights: multiple people can now be returned on a single flight, and these flights no longer need to be direct.
- Algerian escorts: for safety during flights, Belgium can now also rely on Algerian escorts, in addition to the federal police.
The breakthrough was partly made possible by improved diplomatic relations with Algeria, for which Van Bossuyt also thanked Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Prévot (Les Engagés). In exchange for Algerian cooperation, Belgium signed a visa exemption agreement for Algerian holders of diplomatic or service passports.
Legal dispute over reception
In addition to the Algeria agreement, Van Bossuyt responded to recent criticism regarding the refusal of reception for asylum seekers who already enjoy protection in another EU Member State. Although the Council of State has overturned systematic refusals, the minister maintains that individually substantiated refusals remain possible.
“I am looking for solutions that are legally sound, and I do not in any way disregard case law,” Van Bossuyt confirmed. “We must counter ‘asylum shopping’ to stop abuse of the social system and reduce pressure on society.”