Belgium Social Services Target Moroccan Property Ownership Abroad

The measure, led by federal minister of social integration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has received government approval. It targets situations where a social integration income recipient conceals real estate or rental income outside Belgium.

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For Moroccans in Belgium, the issue directly concerns property held in Morocco, whether a family home, apartment, or land. These assets can be factored into resource calculations when someone applies for social assistance.

CPAS do not contest the principle of verification. The Federation of Walloon CPAS emphasizes that it is normal to check an applicant’s resources to ensure fair social assistance distribution. However, it believes this information should come from the federal level, particularly through the Carrefour Bank of Social Security.

Investigations Deemed Too Costly

The main obstacle is financial. According to the Federation of Walloon CPAS, hiring a private detective could cost between 1,000 and 5,000 euros per case. An expense deemed impossible to bear for many CPAS, already facing other charges related to ongoing reforms.

CPAS also raise a question of jurisdiction. For them, verification of foreign assets should not rest solely on municipalities or local social centers. The data sought can also serve other programs, such as GRAPA, an allowance for pensioners with limited resources.

The Federation of CPAS therefore advocates for a centralized solution based on official information accessible to relevant administrations. It considers that resorting to private detectives abroad raises questions of cost, management, professional confidentiality, and data protection.

The debate is not new in Belgium, where the question of real estate held abroad regularly resurfaces in social controls. But this time, the project gives CPAS an additional tool while relaunching the question of its financing.

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The Federation of Walloon CPAS says it is awaiting the minister’s precise text. In the meantime, social assistance recipients who own property in Morocco or another country know that this asset can now be subject to increased scrutiny.