Van Bossuyt on European return law: “No credible asylum policy without effective returns”

Crucial negotiations are taking place today in Strasbourg on the new European return law. For N-VA, the objective is clear: anyone who has no right to stay must effectively leave the European Union. “Today, 80% of people without residence rights do not return. That is unacceptable and undermines public support for asylum,” Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt said during an interview on Radio 1.

According to Van Bossuyt, a strong return policy must become the cornerstone of the new European asylum and migration pact, which will soon enter into force. The outdated 2008 directives are no longer sufficient in today’s reality.

Focus on obligations and return hubs

The new European legislation must shift into a higher gear. One of the most debated elements is the creation of return hubs in third countries. People who cannot be sent directly back to their country of origin could be housed there temporarily while awaiting their effective departure.

According to Van Bossuyt, the new regulation finally places the emphasis on the obligations of asylum seekers rather than solely on their rights. “It is a legal mechanism to guarantee returns,” the minister explains. She points out that these proposals enjoy broad support among European member states and the largest political groups in the European Parliament.

For N-VA, the illegality in which many families currently end up is not a humane alternative. “Illegal stay is an offence,” Van Bossuyt states. “Is a future in illegality a sustainable prospect for children? I strongly doubt that. We must use every possible avenue for sustainable return.”

The Brussels deal

Besides the European dossier, Van Bossuyt also addressed the situation in Brussels. Because arrivals in Belgium are decreasing faster than the European average, the minister is calling for a renegotiation of the so-called “Brussels deal”.

“The federal government currently finances 2,000 places, while only 1,000 places are actually needed for transit capacity. Given our country’s budgetary situation, it is only logical that we reassess this,” Van Bossuyt concludes.