Anneleen
Van Bossuyt

On 22 January, the Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, will participate in the informal Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Cyprus. The return of Afghans and Syrians to their respective countries of origin is at the top of the agenda. Both forced return for criminals and voluntary return will be discussed.   

Syrians: voluntary return whenever possible   

Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt has announced that she will be encouraging the voluntary return of Syrians in a more targeted manner. As the Assad regime fell over a year ago, a return to their country of origin is once again a possibility. This is why the government has opted for a reinforced and accelerated approach for Syrians.   

The large influx of Syrians in recent years has put considerable pressure on Belgium. Currently, 2,808 Syrians are staying in reception facilities. Since the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) resumed making decisions in November 2025, only 24 per cent of Syrians have been granted protection. According to Minister Van Bossuyt, the approach is clear: voluntary return whenever possible and forced return when necessary. However, it is no secret that forced procedures take longer than voluntary departures, meaning people remain in asylum reception centres for a longer period of time.    

“Every additional day spent in these reception centres costs society a considerable amount of money - up to 20,000 euros per person per year. This is why it is important to encourage migrants who are not entitled to asylum or residence to return to their country of origin more quickly.”    

Financial support towards reintegration  

Minister Van Bossuyt will grant increased financial support towards reintegration for Syrians who return voluntarily. The sooner they do so, the higher the amount will be. This initiative is partly funded by the EU. Syrians who are currently going through the asylum procedure and choose to return voluntarily will be eligible for reintegration support of up to 5,000 euros. This system is also in place in several Northern European countries. Those who remain in the asylum procedure for a longer period of time will see this support decrease gradually.  Those who are currently in the country illegally and choose to return will receive 3,000 euros.    

Van Bossuyt explains this well-considered measure: "We want to encourage asylum seekers who are able to return to rebuild their lives in their country of origin as quickly as possible. This benefits the individuals themselves, and it also represents significant savings for our country compared to accommodating these asylum seekers in centres. The support comes in the form of a one-off payment, which, where possible, is linked to an entry ban to prevent a ‘revolving door effect’ that allows people to abuse the system."   

Reintegration support involves providing actual assistance in the country of origin, which is coordinated in advance with partner organisations in that country. Rather than cash payments, it involves targeted support, such as assistance with housing, training, medical care, or starting an economic activity, with a view to sustainable reintegration.   

Forced return when necessary   

In addition, the minister is committed to the general principle of forced return for those who do not cooperate, including by strengthening escort capacity, providing additional places in closed centres, and concluding more readmission agreements with countries of origin. Priority is given to convicted criminals who are in our country illegally.    

“For years, the return aspect has been the Achilles heel of the asylum and migration policy in Belgium. It is time to take action. People who do not belong here must leave more quickly, especially if they pose a threat to our security. In doing so, we can finally alleviate the pressure on our society,” said Minister Van Bossuyt.