Anneleen Van Bossuyt: “Anyone travelling across Europe in search of the most generous system will no longer find it here”

The federal government is preparing to tighten the rules on family reunification, which, according to the federal migration centre Myria, amounts to a violation of human rights. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt responded firmly on the radio show De Ochtend: “It’s not an easy message for some to hear, but the inflow must decrease. Our society can no longer bear this burden.”

From now on, a higher income will become a condition for those applying for family reunification. “Surely we can expect them to cover those costs themselves financially, and not rely on society,” Van Bossuyt argues.

Measures aligned with the European framework

“The measures we are taking fit perfectly within what Europe allows us for these different categories. We are also taking into account the rulings of the European Court of Justice.”

Asylum shopping must no longer pay off

Belgium has long been known for its lax asylum and migration policies, while other EU countries have been tightening theirs. This has created a pull factor.
“With its far too lenient rules on family reunification, Belgium had become the weak link in Europe. Our message is clear: anyone travelling across Europe looking for the most generous system will no longer find it here.”