Stricter rules for family reunification

Following the lead of two of its neighbouring countries, France and the Netherlands, Belgium has decided to apply a stricter family reunification policy. For example, tough housing and income requirements will from now on apply to foreigners and Belgians who sponsor a partner or spouse living abroad. “Moreover, in the future it will only be possible to submit an application for family reunification from abroad and not while in Belgium. This will put an end to the potential risk of abuse of family immigration programmes through tourist visas,” says Belgian N-VA MP Theo Francken. “This change is a major step forward. Thanks to the coherent Civic integration Flanders has a policy for civic integration. This is a guided and targeted form of social integration for people of foreign origin. The intention is that the newcomers are provided with a valuable place in society by including them instead of excluding them. Civic integration, which includes language lessons and civic integration courses, was brought about by the participation of the N-VA in the Flemish Government since 2004 and the appointment of a Minister for Civic Integration. civic integration policy applied by the Flemish government whereby all newcomers are obliged to take Dutch language classes and take part in a civic integration programme, we can now ensure that family reunification is done in a sustainable manner and that it provides opportunities both for immigrants and society at large.”