Historic law on home searches approved: “This is about the safety of our residents”

The Chamber of Representatives has given final approval to three bills introduced by Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. The most historic breakthrough is the new law on home searches. It allows authorities to arrest people in their homes for the purpose of return if they are staying in Belgium illegally, pose a threat to public order or national security, and refuse to leave. The reform of the European Blue Card and a new GDPR law for the Immigration Office have also been approved.

Historic breakthrough in return policy

After years of debate and political opposition, the law on home searches has finally been approved. “This concerns, for example, convicted rapists who have served their sentences and are released from prison, or hate preachers who have no legal right to reside here. Until now, they could hide behind their front doors to prevent their return. That is simply absurd! If someone poses a danger to our society, our authorities must be able to act. With this law, we are finally making that possible,” says Minister Van Bossuyt. The minister stresses that prior authorisation from an investigating judge is always required.

Over the past few months, the law has been the subject of numerous disinformation campaigns. According to Van Bossuyt, its final approval is therefore an important victory: “For months, people have been spreading panic and fake news about this law. But despite all the opposition, we have persevered. This is not about a witch hunt against undocumented migrants. This is about the safety of our residents.”

She also addresses local authorities that have opposed home searches. “Be fully aware of what that choice means. If you refuse to implement this law and something goes wrong, do not point the finger at the federal government afterwards. Because in that case, it is you who are putting the safety of your own residents at risk.”

Easier labour migration for highly skilled workers

The reform of the European Blue Card has also received final approval. It will make it easier for Belgian companies to recruit highly skilled workers from outside the European Union. The processing time will be limited to a maximum of 90 days. At the same time, the rules will be tightened to better tackle labour migration fraud, for example through sham companies.

“Our first priority remains getting people who already live in Belgium into work. But when our companies need specific expertise that they cannot find here, we must also be able to attract that talent. That is why we are streamlining procedures for those who genuinely come here to work, while taking tougher action against those who abuse the system,” says Van Bossuyt.

Faster processing of asylum applications from closed centres

Finally, a third bill has also been approved, making it possible, among other things, to conduct asylum interviews by video with people staying in closed centres. This means asylum service staff will no longer have to travel to a closed centre each time, saving both time and money.

In 2025, 418 asylum applications were submitted from closed centres. Only 6% of these received a positive decision. By processing these applications more quickly, the return of people who are not entitled to protection can be carried out sooner.