Family reunification rules tightened significantly: “This country will no longer be Europe’s weak link”

Today, the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs approved the new, stricter rules on family reunification. With this decision, the De Wever government takes a major step in reforming migration policy. From now on, newcomers will have to wait longer, meet tougher conditions more quickly, and prove a higher income in order to bring their families to Belgium.

“Our message is clear: if you want to bring your family here, you must first show that you have the financial means to do so. Belgium will no longer be Europe’s weak link,” said MP Maaike De Vreese.

“People must be able to provide for their families themselves”

In practical terms, anyone applying for family reunification will now need to earn at least 110% of the average minimum income. An additional 10% is required for every extra family member. For a partner and two children, that means nearly €2,750 net per month.

“We want people to be able to support their families on their own. The goal is not for them to arrive and immediately rely on our Social security Social security is currently managed at the Federal level in Belgium. The most important pillars of Belgian social security are: sickness and invalidity insurance (NIDHI), pensions, unemployment insurance and child allowances. In addition, occupational illness, occupational accidents and annual holidays are dealt with at this level. Some Flemish parties have been campaigning for years for (large parts of) social security to be transferred to the Regions and Communities. social security system. We’re now placing that responsibility more clearly than ever on the applicant,” De Vreese added.

Finally putting an end to lenient rules

The N-VA has long advocated for a tougher approach to family reunification. With this reform, a key element of the coalition agreement is being fulfilled.

“For years, family reunification has been the largest migration channel into our country. That inflow needs to decrease. The current situation is unsustainable. The overly lax rules created a pull factor, and we’re putting an end to that now,” De Vreese concluded.