No winter surge in asylum applications: 32% drop recorded in November

Thanks to the policy of Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, the usual winter surge in asylum applications has failed to materialise. In September 2025, the number of applications fell by 21% compared to the previous year. October saw a further drop of 36%, and the downward trend continued in November with 32% fewer applications than in the same month last year.

“As temperatures drop, asylum applications typically rise. But this year, for the first time in many years, that winter surge simply hasn’t happened. That’s the result of firm but fair policy choices,” says Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Firm but fair migration policy

In recent months, several measures have been introduced to reduce the influx of asylum seekers and prevent abuse of the system.

Border checks were implemented on buses, trains, and flights arriving from within the Schengen area, and the misuse of return premiums was halted. Asylum seekers who have already been granted protection in another EU country—or who were previously rejected—are no longer entitled to reception in Belgium. Family reunification rules were also tightened, with stricter income requirements, longer waiting periods, and a minimum age of 21.

In addition, social welfare payments (the integration allowance) will now be linked to integration efforts, ensuring that support goes hand in hand with responsibility.

Hotel closures

The minister also noted that the number of people housed in hotels has dropped by more than half. Two hotels will be permanently closed next week, and the waiting list for single men has been fully cleared, including within the scope of the Brussels Deal.

“This is not the finish line, but it is a turning point,” Van Bossuyt emphasised. “We are continuing to build an asylum system that brings order to chaos, prevents abuse, and offers protection only to those who truly need it.”