Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt cracks down on abuse: no more return support for Brazilians

Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has decided to halt reintegration support for Brazilian nationals, citing clear signs of abuse of the system. “Voluntary return and reintegration are valuable tools—but not for people looking to exploit them for financial gain. The abuse stops here,” said the minister.

In 2025, a total of 3,122 people returned voluntarily to their country of origin, including 953 Brazilians—accounting for over 30% of all voluntary returns. In 2024, the number of Brazilian returnees was close to 1,000. Yet the majority of Brazilians arriving in Belgium do not apply for asylum or legal residence. Instead, they stay illegally for several months and later request reintegration assistance to return.

This pattern, combined with the high number of applications, suggests the system was well-known in Brazil—and may have even served as a pull factor for migration to Belgium.

“In theory, this support is meant to encourage voluntary return. But when we see it being misused—when it actually makes illegal stay in Belgium more appealing—it’s time to act. If a well-intentioned policy doesn’t work, we must have the courage to end it,” Van Bossuyt stated.

“Return is the cornerstone of our asylum policy—voluntary if possible, enforced if necessary.”

As of 1 December 2025, Brazilian nationals who opt for voluntary return will no longer be eligible for reintegration support. Until now, that support amounted to between €1,000 and €2,500 per adult.

This isn’t the first time Minister Van Bossuyt has taken such action. She previously ended the return premium for Moldovan nationals after clear evidence of abuse emerged. That decision led to a sharp drop in the number of Moldovans arriving in Belgium in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

With this latest measure, the minister aims to ensure that support is directed at those who truly need it—and to maintain the credibility of Belgium’s return policy.

“Return remains the cornerstone of our asylum system. Voluntary if possible, enforced if necessary.”