N-VA seeks to revoke both nationality and residency rights for serious criminals

Members of Parliament Jeroen Bergers and Koen Metsu have introduced a bill that would allow Belgian authorities to strip convicted criminals of both their Belgian nationality and their right to reside in the country. “Anyone with dual nationality who commits a terrorist attack or sexual offence should no longer be allowed access to our society. By revoking their residency rights as well, we ensure these criminals can be removed from our territory,” explains Jeroen Bergers.

“A necessary step to protect our citizens”

The proposal, co-signed by Catherine Delcourt (MR), targets individuals convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, attacks on civil peace, genocide, and membership in criminal or armed organizations—as well as human trafficking and sexual offences. In practice, this means that individuals with dual nationality who commit such crimes could lose both their Belgian nationality and their residency rights, finally making effective deportation possible.

Koen Metsu, who advocated for this approach in the previous legislative session, emphasizes its importance: “Terrorists who seek to undermine our society should not expect to enjoy the privilege of our nationality or the right to live here. This is a logical and necessary step in safeguarding our citizens.”

Jeroen Bergers is equally clear: “We’re putting an end to the idea that nationality is an untouchable right, regardless of how someone behaves. Those who abuse our hospitality—who choose violence, sexual abuse or terror—lose society’s trust. And with that, their place in it.”

Linking residency status to nationality

What’s new in this bill is the explicit connection between the loss of nationality and the loss of residency rights. Until now, individuals could lose their Belgian passport yet still remain in the country. That loophole would now be closed.
“Criminals with dual nationality can no longer lay claim to the right to live here,” says Bergers. “Those days are over.”

The statute of limitations for such cases would also be extended.

Swift implementation expected

“This bill represents a significant tightening of current legislation. In the past, the revocation of nationality often remained symbolic, with no follow-through in terms of actual deportation,” the MPs conclude.

As the measure is part of the coalition agreement, its implementation could follow swiftly.