Anneleen Van Bossuyt on De Zevende Dag: “No right to stay after entering the country illegally”

Appearing on De Zevende Dag, Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt once again outlined the key principles of her firm but fair migration policy. Her core message was clear: those who enter the country illegally or are not entitled to asylum cannot build a future here.

Minister Van Bossuyt stressed the importance of clear and honest communication. “Three out of four asylum seekers are not granted asylum, mainly because economic reasons do not constitute grounds for asylum,” she said. “The honest message is that those who are not granted asylum must return to their country of origin.”

Targeted investment in capacity and returns

Van Bossuyt also provided further details on the draft legislation allowing authorities to enter the homes of certain high-risk individuals. “This measure is intended solely for people staying in the country illegally who pose a threat to public order or national security and who systematically refuse to cooperate with their return,” Van Bossuyt explained. The minister also stressed that prior authorisation from an investigating judge will always be required and that the judge must assess whether the measure is proportionate.

The programme also covered the phasing out of the Brussels Deal, the planned short-stay departure centre in Nazareth, the readmission agreement with Algeria and the domino effect of humanitarian visas for Palestinian students.