Record number of undocumented offenders returned to their countries of origin

In the first eight months of the year, 1,239 prisoners without a residence permit were returned to their countries of origin, setting a new record. The figures were released by Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. “These figures show that our approach is working: in the first eight months of 2026, we removed almost 50% more undocumented detainees than two years ago under the Vivaldi government,” the minister said.

The total for 2026 already stands at 1,239. Between January and August, 991 offenders were returned from Belgian prisons in 2025, compared with 828 in 2024. The previous record was set in 2017, when 1,112 people were returned.

“This result is the direct outcome of a clear political priority and close cooperation with both the Justice authorities and countries of origin,” said Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt. The largest groups among the detainees who were returned were Moroccan (233), Albanian (195) and Algerian (138) nationals.

More escorts to speed up returns

The minister also highlighted the substantial investment being made in capacity and staffing, a key part of a credible and effective return policy. On Monday, she visited PAULO, the East Flanders police academy, where 14 new employees of the Immigration Office are beginning their training as escorts.

“At present, forced returns can be delayed when there are not enough escorts available. By increasing the number of escorts, the government aims to carry out more return operations and significantly reduce waiting times, which can currently exceed one month. Our ambition is to bring this down to ten days.”

This should help further reduce prison overcrowding while also freeing up places in closed detention centres more quickly. “An effective return policy is the cornerstone of a credible migration policy. Anyone who, following a fair procedure, is found to have no right to remain in our country must actually return. Voluntarily where possible, forcibly where necessary,” Minister Van Bossuyt concluded.