Brussels – Sputnik. As of today, Monday, refugees who have already received protection status or asylum in another European Union country will not be able to apply for asylum in the Kingdom. Last month, the federal parliament approved a series of measures aimed at restricting access to the Belgian reception system. The Belgian minister stated on the eve of the law’s entry into force, “Asylum is protection. Those who have received it in other European countries should not be able to access our sanctuaries.” Additionally, authorities are expected to accelerate the processing of protection and asylum requests, and individuals whose applications were rejected in another EU country will also be denied the right to apply for asylum in Belgium.
Starting in August, it will also become impossible for a parent or a minor to apply to extend refugee status without other valid reasons. Belgium is expected to significantly tighten the rules for foreign family reunification in the Kingdom by mid-August. The Belgian authorities are currently implementing some of the most controversial social reforms, including raising the retirement age, reducing unemployment benefits, and limiting the duration of these payments to two years for healthy citizens.
In addition, the new authorities plan to significantly reduce administrative costs and tighten immigration policy.
