Minor asylum seekers in Belgium will no longer receive housing if they submit a new asylum request after their parents have been denied. This significant policy change aims to address concerns over repeated applications that delay the asylum process. The government announced this decision on 2025-07-28 21:15:00, emphasizing efficiency in asylum reception.
- Minderjarige asielzoekers verliezen opvang bij nieuw verzoek
- Regering besluit opvang stop te zetten
- Asieldiensten vinden helft aanvragen zonder nieuwe elementen
- Regering noemt verzoeken rekken opvangsysteem
- Sommige kinderen hebben wel degelijk bescherming nodig
- Dirk Vanheule benadrukt nood aan bescherming
According to asylum services, about half of these new requests lack new information and appear intended solely to extend stay in Belgium. But is this approach fair to vulnerable children? Dirk Vanheule, a professor of Immigration Law at the University of Antwerp, warns that some minors genuinely need protection despite their parents’ refusal.
How will Belgium balance the need for a streamlined asylum system with safeguarding children’s rights? The government’s stance raises important questions about the future of minor asylum seekers and the support they require.
Could this policy risk overlooking genuine cases of child vulnerability? While the government focuses on preventing system abuse, experts highlight the complexity of individual situations. Key points include:
- Half of new requests lack new evidence, suggesting delay tactics
- Some minors still require protection despite parental rejection
- The policy may streamline asylum processing but risks excluding vulnerable children
As Belgium moves forward, it must carefully monitor the effects of this policy on minor asylum seekers. Will safeguards be strengthened to protect children in need? Public debate and legal scrutiny will be essential to ensure fairness and compliance with international standards.
