Government opens door to tackling illegal criminals

The federal government has approved, on second reading, the draft law on home entry, Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt announced. The bill gives the police and the Immigration Office (DVZ) greater scope to apprehend people residing illegally who have a criminal profile.

In concrete terms, the legislation creates a legal framework allowing the police, in cooperation with the Immigration Office (DVZ), to enter a private residence in order to carry out an administrative arrest. The measure targets individuals in illegal residence who consistently refuse to cooperate with return procedures and who pose a threat to public order or national security. Such action will always require authorization from an investigating judge.

A necessary lever

In practice, police services and the Immigration Office often struggle to detain these individuals, as they currently have no right to enter a home when occupants refuse to open the door or deliberately shut it in front of them. Removing this barrier will enable services to act more effectively.

“This can no longer be a taboo when the safety of our population is at stake. It is unacceptable that illegal criminals can still evade return simply by hiding behind their front door. With this bill, our services will no longer be powerless,” said Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Individuals apprehended during a home entry operation will be transferred immediately to a closed detention centre.