Step closer to a lifetime entry ban for terrorists and radicalised individuals

The draft bill making it possible to impose a lifetime entry ban on terrorists and radicalised individuals is being sent to parliament for final approval. With this legislation, the Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, aims to anchor a powerful security instrument in Belgium’s Aliens Act:
“Anyone who radicalises or supports terrorism has no place in our society. This bill permanently closes the door on them.”

Until now, entry bans could only be imposed for a limited period. The new legislation will allow, in the most serious cases, a lifetime entry ban to be imposed on convicted terrorists, hate preachers and potentially violent extremists who are staying illegally on Belgian or Schengen territory.

Each decision is always preceded by a thorough analysis by OCAD, the body responsible for threat assessment in Belgium. This ensures an objective and well-founded evaluation of the security risk. Individuals subject to an entry ban are flagged in the Schengen Information System and in national police databases, and are no longer allowed to enter Belgium or the Schengen area. Any visa or residence application submitted by such individuals is refused by the Immigration Office.

First entry bans exceeding 20 years

The new law builds on a clear policy shift already initiated by this government. Whereas entry bans were previously limited to a maximum of 20 years, the Immigration Office has been instructed to systematically impose longer durations in cases involving serious threats to public order or national security.

This approach is delivering tangible results. In 2025, 42 entry bans of 20 years or more were imposed—more than double the number in 2023 (15) and an increase compared to 2024 (33). In those earlier years, entry bans were capped at 20 years. In 2025, a 30-year entry ban was imposed for the first time. Overall, 5,998 entry bans of varying durations were issued in 2025, marking an increase compared to the previous year.

“We protect our society by being clear: anyone who poses a threat to the safety of our citizens will not be given a second chance to return to Belgium,” says Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

The bill forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at strengthening return policy and security. These include expanding capacity in closed centres, recruiting additional staff and escorts for return operations, and stepping up efforts to conclude more readmission agreements with countries of origin.