Lower living allowance for temporarily protected individuals who fail to integrate

“Integration is not only in the interest of our society, but also of the newcomer themselves.” Federal Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt will now also link the (equivalent of the) living allowance to integration efforts for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and people under temporary protection. She had already introduced similar measures earlier, including for recognized refugees.

This concerns individuals granted temporary protection status because returning to their country of origin is currently too dangerous. The largest group consists of displaced Ukrainians. Last year, 23,562 Ukrainians received a living allowance in Belgium. As a rule, they will now have to demonstrate that they are actively integrating into our society in order to receive the full benefit. In practice, they will receive a lower basic allowance, which can be topped up with additional support if they make a genuine effort to integrate—for example by attending language and integration courses or actively seeking employment. Monitoring will be carried out by the Public Social Welfare Centres (OCMW/CPAS).

Activating people from the start

Until now, newcomers were granted immediate access to a full living allowance, without clear obligations in return. “When people are activated from the outset, learn the language, and take part in society, they not only strengthen themselves but also contribute to the community that welcomes them,” said Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Stricter rules for newcomers

In December, the Council of Ministers also approved tighter rules for other newcomers, such as students from third countries and EU citizens who are not seeking work. They will be required to reside legally in Belgium for five years before gaining access to social assistance. Exceptions will remain in place for vulnerable groups, such as individuals granted medical regularization or victims of human trafficking.

Putting an end to the pull factor

This latest legislative package is the final piece of the puzzle: stricter conditions for access to Social security Social security is currently managed at the Federal level in Belgium. The most important pillars of Belgian social security are: sickness and invalidity insurance (NIDHI), pensions, unemployment insurance and child allowances. In addition, occupational illness, occupational accidents and annual holidays are dealt with at this level. Some Flemish parties have been campaigning for years for (large parts of) social security to be transferred to the Regions and Communities. social security will apply to all newcomers—refugees, temporarily protected persons, and others alike. “The overly lenient living allowance policy of previous governments created a pull factor attracting newcomers to Belgium. We are putting an end to that,” concludes Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt. “We are tightening the conditions, encouraging integration, and tackling abuse. That is not only in the interest of our society, but also of the newcomers themselves.”