Belgium Tightens Family Reunification Rules, Targets Migrant Influx

Belgium is limiting family reunification. New strict rules came into effect on Monday. From now on, anyone wishing to bring family members to Belgium will have to prove an income equal to 110% of the average guaranteed minimum income, plus 10% for each additional member, reports Belga. "Anyone wishing to bring their family must prove that they are able to provide for their needs. This can no longer be done at the expense of our society," said the Minister of Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), in a press release.

It is also planned to significantly strengthen the conditions for family reunification for people benefiting from temporary protection status, such as those benefiting from subsidiary protection or temporarily displaced persons. No more family formation for these categories. To be eligible for family reunification, the procedure will now have to be initiated after a waiting period of two years and ensure that additional material conditions are met, including sufficient income, housing and health insurance.

"Due to the much too lax rules on family reunification, Belgium has become a magnet for migrants and asylum seekers. These measures put an end to this appeal," said the minister. Last year, nearly 60,000 people obtained a first residence permit through family reunification, compared to around 59,000 in 2023. This influx is putting enormous pressure on our social infrastructure, making it necessary to tighten the rules, according to Van Bossuyt.