Belgium is exploring controversial options to manage migration, including housing foreign prisoners in facilities abroad. Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, revealed the government is considering partnerships with countries in the Western Balkans and beyond to address overcrowding in Belgian prisons and increase deportation rates. This move comes amid a broader European effort to tighten border controls and accelerate the return of individuals whose asylum claims have been denied.
Van Bossuyt stated that discussions with Albania focus on accommodating Albanian nationals currently incarcerated in Belgium, while talks with Kosovo aim to create space for individuals staying in Belgium illegally, regardless of their nationality. This initiative mirrors a recent trial undertaken by Denmark, which is sending foreign nationals facing deportation to complete their sentences in Kosovo.
Belgium’s Approach to Migration Management
The potential for transferring prisoners abroad is part of a larger strategy to curb irregular migration to Belgium. According to Van Bossuyt, the government is focused on reducing the number of asylum applications through various measures, including digital campaigns aimed at discouraging unfounded claims. November saw the lowest level of asylum applications in Belgium since mid-2023, a decrease the minister links to these tightening policies.
However, this approach isn’t without precedent or critique. Italy initiated a similar, yet also challenged, program last year by opening migrant detention centers on Albanian soil. These centers have faced significant human rights concerns and legal obstacles.
Expanding Partnerships and EU Agreements
Belgium is not limiting its exploration to the Western Balkans. Van Bossuyt indicated openness to partnerships with other nations as well. “We have been there (to Albania and Kosovo), we have spoken with the responsible ministers, but maybe in future there will also be other possibilities or countries,” she acknowledged.
Additionally, Belgium is considering utilizing a new European Union agreement to establish “return hubs” in third countries. This would allow for the expedited return of rejected asylum seekers to these hubs, even if they have no prior connection to the host country. The creation of these hubs is a key element of the EU’s broader efforts to manage migration policy.
Addressing Shelter Concerns and Court Fines
The minister also addressed recent criticism regarding the provision of shelter to asylum seekers. Following a court ruling in October that highlighted the failure to provide housing for an Afghan family, Van Bossuyt emphasized that only individuals denied asylum due to having received protection elsewhere are currently turned away from reception centers.
She further stated that these individuals are offered shelter in return centers designed to facilitate their return to the country where they have protection, although she noted that acceptance rates for these centers are currently low. Despite ongoing court challenges and accumulating fines – estimated to be in the millions of euros – for shortcomings in asylum seeker accommodation, Van Bossuyt defended her decision not to pay them, citing the responsible use of taxpayer money.
In recent instances, court bailiffs have resorted to seizing assets from government offices, including those of her predecessor, and freezing funds of agencies like Fedasil, to enforce the payment of these fines.
The country’s approach to migration has evolved, with a pronounced shift towards deterrence and accelerated returns. This strategy extends beyond prison transfers and includes efforts to reshape perceptions of Belgium as an attractive destination for asylum seekers. The success of these policies in sustainably managing migration remains to be seen.
Moving forward, the viability of Belgium’s plans to house prisoners abroad will depend on securing agreements with partner countries and navigating potential legal and ethical challenges. The implementation of EU return hubs will also be critical to the government’s broader migration strategy. Watch for further developments surrounding these initiatives and their impact on asylum application numbers in the coming months.
