Belgium Considers Mandatory COVID Vaccination for Asylum Seekers Amid Reception Challenges

Responding to a controversy sparked over the health impact of the gradual opening of 300 reception places for asylum seekers, the Secretary of State indicated that the reception network of the federal agency Fedasil is paralyzed due to the new arrivals in Belgium, quarantined upon disembarking. "The number of reception places lost due to quarantine measures easily reaches 1,169," he specified.

Isolation places are constantly reserved for this purpose, which has a huge impact on the reception of other asylum seekers, the official points out, adding that he is considering proposing compulsory vaccination for them.

These places are isolation places that cannot be used for normal operation. The Secretary of State wants to shift into high gear. "As far as I’m concerned, compulsory vaccination of asylum seekers can be put on the table," he proposed.