You are here
Van Bossuyt launches first deterrence campaigns to curb asylum influx

The first deterrence campaigns have officially been launched, announced Federal Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt on De Tafel van Gert. The initiative includes targeted YouTube campaigns and a WhatsApp channel designed to directly communicate migration news and deterrence messages to potential asylum seekers. “The message is clear and honest: Reception centers are full. Our society can no longer sustain this,” Van Bossuyt stated.
WhatsApp: direct communication with potential asylum seekers
To counter misinformation and false expectations among potential migrants, the Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken, DVZ) has launched a new WhatsApp channel called Belgian Migration Office. This channel is part of an expanded digital deterrence strategy aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers traveling to Belgium.
“With this tool, we are not only informing people about the strictest asylum and migration policies ever, but we are also sending direct deterrence messages. The information is clear and straightforward—delivered directly into the hands of those considering coming to Belgium,” Van Bossuyt explained.
The channel will be promoted by DVZ to ensure it reaches the right audiences.
YouTube campaigns targeting transit and origin countries
In addition to WhatsApp, the first YouTube campaigns have gone live, targeting both transit countries and countries of origin.
Pilot campaigns are currently running in transit countries such as Greece and Bulgaria, specifically targeting asylum seekers from Cameroon and Guinea. The message is unambiguous: Belgium’s asylum system is at full capacity.
“These videos do not paint a dream scenario—they present the facts,” Van Bossuyt emphasized. “Too many people continue traveling to Belgium because our system has been far too generous for far too long. With these campaigns, our message is clear and honest: Belgium is no longer a land of milk and honey.”
Initial results confirm the campaigns' effectiveness—within just a few days, the videos have already reached nearly 17,000 views. The initiative will be expanded to other relevant target groups, and future efforts will include promoting a dedicated deterrence webpage via Google Ads.
Offline measures: direct engagement with origin countries
Beyond digital campaigns, the minister is also prioritizing targeted deterrence efforts in countries of origin. This spring, she will travel to Moldova to engage with policymakers about the persistently high number of Moldovan asylum seekers—despite their low recognition rate. Moldovans represent a significant share of both asylum applications and occupants in reception centers.
By combining online and offline strategies, Van Bossuyt aims to systematically reduce the pressure on Belgium’s asylum system and send a firm message to potential migrants: Belgium is no longer an easy destination.