Belgium will resume border checks as part of its campaign to combat illegal migration
Belgium intends to reinstate border checks this summer to address illegal migration and restrict asylum applications from neighboring countries.
The Belgian government announced on Friday that it will implement new border checks this summer as part of a comprehensive initiative to address illegal migration.
The action signifies yet another limitation on the freedom of movement within Europe’s Schengen zone, echoing comparable measures taken by adjacent nations.
The new measures will focus on individuals crossing into Belgium from its borders with the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. A spokesperson for Anneleen Van Bossuyt, the junior minister for migration, stated that the decision addresses increasing worries about the country becoming a favored destination for individuals denied entry in other parts of Europe.
“It’s time to implement entry controls.” “Belgium should not become a destination for individuals halted in other locations,” Van Bossuyt remarked in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We are unequivocal in our stance: Belgium will not accept illegal migration and the practice of asylum shopping any longer.”
The Belgian government announced that the checks will be “targeted” and conducted at motorway rest stops, on buses, trains, and on intra-Schengen flights from countries facing significant migration pressure, including Greece and Italy.
Since taking office in February, Prime Minister Bart De Wever has prioritized migration control for his right-leaning government. According to Article 23 of the Schengen Borders Code, member states have the authority to temporarily reinstate border controls when faced with significant threats or migration pressures.
In 2024, Belgium, recognized as one of Europe’s wealthiest nations, received 39,615 asylum applications, marking an increase of 11.6% compared to the previous year, as reported by the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers. The nation was equipped to accommodate 35,600 asylum seekers, resulting in numerous recent arrivals lacking adequate housing.
A representative from the Belgian Immigration Office stated that the absence of systematic checks complicates the accurate assessment of illegal immigration levels, thereby reinforcing the necessity for stricter border surveillance.
The announcement contributes to an increasing trend throughout Europe, where governments are reinforcing immigration policies even as there is a noted decrease in irregular arrivals along various significant migration routes.
