On January 31, 2025, the new federal government finally unveiled its long-awaited coalition agreement. From the very first lines of the preamble, the picture is clear : Bart De Wever, newly appointed Prime Minister under the N-VA banner, makes no attempt to hide the harshness of the policy ahead. He warns that the road ahead will not be “a walk in the park”, and that the measures announced will require “sacrifices from everyone in our society”. 

But beyond this rhetoric of firmness, the text is nauseating both in its words and in the justifications put forward.

Indeed, the document’s paragraphs reveal a clear desire to stigmatize certain population groups. The arguments put forward by the government are based on the alleged “massive arrival of migrants” and on the barely concealed criminalization of people on the move. 

Far from being neutral, this approach fuels fears and divisions, while legitimizing restrictive and discriminatory measures. The text doesn’t just announce reforms: it distills, line after line, an anxiety-inducing, racist and biased vision of society, which can only inspire unease and indignation.

Our collective wants a world without borders and walls, where everyone can freely live and travel wherever they want. As you might expect, this is far from what’s in store for Belgium and Europe over the next few years. 

Almost six months after the publication of the Arizona government’s agreement, we’d like to take a look back at the main points concerning “Asylum and Migration”. To keep a clear record of the historic moment we’re living through, of the ever-deepening tilt towards a society fueled by fear and repression.

We will deal with four main topics: 
1/ Reception
2/ Residence
3/ Asylum
4/ Detention and deportation

PART 1 – RECEPTION POLICIES

Increasingly assertive opposition to what « reception » means

Although previous governments never really implemented a reception policy worthy of the name, the Arizona government currently in power is in line with this restrictive continuity, while going even further in the harshness of its measures.

The objective is clear: to drastically reduce the number of people arriving in Belgium and the number of asylum applications, and then to severely restrict the number of reception places available. 

To achieve this goal, the government is skilfully playing with words: it is fanning the flames of fear and thereby justifying its inhumane policies. In its speeches, it mixes up the notions of ‘reception’ and ‘controlling the influx of migrants’, stating for example that “in order to make migration socially and economically positive again, and to offer a quality reception to refugees who really need it, we must control the influx of migrants. Uncontrolled illegal migration can no longer be tolerated and must stop. Our society can no longer cope with this phenomenon“.

The bare minimum, or no minimum at all

In practical terms, this means the gradual disappearance of temporary accommodation in hotels, followed by individual housing via the CPAS or other structures, leaving only collective centres for people. These centres, already overcrowded and difficult to access, are becoming the only option for people seeking protection, leading to a loss of autonomy, a deterioration in living conditions, a lack of privacy and the interpersonal tensions that all this can entail.

The assistance provided to ‘welcomed’ people will be reduced to the strict minimum, limited to a ‘bed, bath, bread and accompaniment’, without any financial compensation. Asylum seekers will no longer be entitled to the CPAS social integration income, even in exceptional situations such as family unity, minor status or family problems. Until now, these people have turned to the CPAS because of the lack of places in reception centres: now they will be refused any help, plunging them into extreme poverty and exposing them to the street.

Also, collective centres are often located far from towns, which cuts people off from all their support networks, essential services and aid organisations. This choice of location is not insignificant: it aims to dissuade people from seeking asylum in Belgium and to make their daily lives even more difficult.

Refusal to receive certain categories of people

Access to reception will be refused to many categories of people: 

– those who have already applied for asylum in another EU country (whose application is still pending or has been closed)

– those who already enjoy protection in another Member State

– families with children who have received a refusal decision

– those who apply subsequently.

Nationals from countries with a low protection rate will also be subject to a fast-track procedure: this means that they will receive different reception treatment, with a focus on their return as soon as they arrive. 

Conclusions : Towards the end of reception in Belgium?

The consequences of these new policies are dramatic. Deprived of financial assistance and housing, many people will find themselves on the streets, with no resources and no prospects. The geographical distance from collective centres will increase their isolation, making access to health, education and social support almost impossible.

Limiting reception to a strict material minimum is contrary to the dignity and fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers. Vulnerable people (MENA, women, LGBTQIA+, etc.) will not be able to receive appropriate support.

These measures offer no solution to the so-called ‘migration crisis’: they institutionalise precariousness, exclusion and stigmatisation, making the fundamental values of humanity and solidarity impossible.

Let us not close our eyes to growing fascism and institutionalised racism, in Belgium and elsewhere!

NO ONE IS ILLEGAL
NO TO DETENTION
NO TO BORDERS
NO TO DEPORTATIONS
PAPERS FOR EVERYONE
FREEDOM FOR EVERYONE

Full analysis:
1/ Reception
2/ Residence
3/ Asylum
4/ Detention and deportation