Belgium is struggling to deport Moroccans

"We are also insisting with the Netherlands that they accept transfers again, which is gradually becoming a reality. Strengthening the number of escorts within the aviation police should accelerate the transfers," the minister said in the Justice Committee of the Chamber. And she added: "It is illusory to think that we will suddenly be able to dislodge 2,000 prisoners from our prisons. For the interned, we are up against the limits of the care circuit’s capacity. In 2026, 90 additional places will be available in care homes."

Despite the implementation of this measure to combat prison overcrowding, Belgian prisons remain overcrowded. However, this reform has allowed the early release of 600 convicts six months before the end of their sentence, while 520 have obtained electronic surveillance and 114 conditional release. Similarly, 950 others have obtained a suspension of sentence, pending the decision of the Sentence Enforcement Court, according to La Dernière Heure.

According to Annelies Verlinden, the emergency law is struggling to produce the expected results due to the resumption by the King’s Prosecutors of the execution of many sentences following their actions against the pension reform, the increase in the number of inmates in the fall, the non-extension of prison leave and the increase in convicts in an irregular situation and interned persons.

Faced with prison overcrowding, the Belgian state plans "to create additional capacity by installing modular units". "In Haren, the public-private partnership provides that overcrowding can reach 15%, subject to the payment of additional fees to the facility services. Beyond that, an additional indemnity must be paid. This corresponds to 178 additional beds. The 43 beds are the first phase of a contract modification, which provides for 53 additional beds. A further extension is being studied," the minister concluded.