Minister Van Bossuyt on asylum figures: “The tide has turned, but this is only the beginning”

Today, the Belgian asylum and migration services presented their annual figures for 2025. Between September and December, the number of asylum applications was 28% lower than during the same period in 2024. Over the entire year, 34,439 requests for international protection were registered—a 13% decrease compared to 2024 (39,615), and the lowest figure since 2021.

“After a legislative term marked by rising inflows, emergency responses and a growing sense of helplessness, we now see that the tide is turning. But this is only the beginning—much more still needs to happen,” said Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. She confirmed that the government will introduce further measures this year.

Clear policy reversal

While international conflicts and geopolitical developments continue to influence migration flows, the minister pointed out that the sharp drop coincides with the implementation of the government’s crisis measures. This is also reflected in the European comparison: in 2024, Belgium saw 12% more asylum applications, while the EU as a whole saw a 12% decrease. In 2025, the picture reversed—Belgium ended the year with a 13% drop, and in the final months of 2025, the decline was even sharper than the EU average.

“In just one year, Belgium has made a clear policy U-turn. We’re moving in the right direction again. It shows that the course set by the Arizona government is making a difference. This is a turning point, not the end point,” the minister stressed.

Heavily debated measure

There are also visible results in the reception system. In early 2026, hotel accommodation was phased out—sooner than planned. In August 2025, the number of people in the reception system fell below 33,000 for the first time in two years. The waiting list for single men dropped by 40% compared to the end of 2024.

One of the most hotly debated measures was the decision to no longer provide shelter to people who already have international protection in another EU member state. This measure led to an 83% decrease in these specific asylum profiles (the M-status) between September and December 2025.

“These figures show the measure did what it had to do: send a clear message that Belgium will no longer tolerate this kind of abuse of the asylum system,” said Van Bossuyt.

In early October, the minister was personally targeted by a criminal complaint filed by four families who had been denied shelter. During the press conference, she announced that the public prosecutor had since confirmed that no criminal offence had been committed.

Forced return requires extra effort

Voluntary return figures remained stable, while forced returns to countries of origin increased by 7%. Returns from prison rose by 25%, reaching 1,575 individuals—the highest number in seven years.

“Return is the final part of the system—and the most neglected one for years,” said the minister. “It’s like steering a tanker—it takes time to change course, but we’re now moving clearly in the right direction.”

That’s why the government is making major investments in extra capacity in closed centres. Belgium is also working on more readmission agreements with countries of origin, based on a “something-for-something” principle. Progress is also being made at the European level, including through a recent administrative mission to Afghanistan aimed at unblocking returns to that country.

Respect

The minister concluded with a special word of thanks to all staff working in the migration chain, along with a clear message:
“Our people work day and night to deliver a migration policy that is firm but fair. They deserve respect—not intimidation, vandalism, or violence like we’ve seen again over the past year. I will not let that go unanswered.”