Record Number of Criminal Deportations in Belgium

This year, Belgium has set a remarkable precedent by forcibly returning 1,239 criminals from its prisons to their respective home countries, marking a significant increase in deportations compared to previous years. The previous record was established in 2017, when 1,112 individuals were removed within the first eight months of that year. In contrast, the numbers for the past two years were 991 in 2022 and 828 in 2024. This surge in deportations primarily involves individuals lacking valid residency permits who have completed their prison sentences in Belgium.

The deported individuals predominantly hail from Morocco, with 233 cases, followed by Albania at 195, and Algeria at 138. These figures illustrate a focused effort by the Belgian government to manage undocumented immigration effectively and enhance public safety through the removal of individuals who have committed crimes.

Government Collaboration and Criticism

In a recent interview with the newspaper De Standaard, Minister of Justice Vincent Van Bossuyt attributed these impressive statistics to a combination of clear political priorities, effective cooperation with the justice department, and increased investments in the necessary resources and personnel. Notably, in April of this year, a return agreement was formalized between Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Minister Van Bossuyt with the Algerian government. Similar agreements with Morocco, which facilitates the return of its nationals, are routinely renewed to ensure continued cooperation.

However, not all voices are in agreement regarding the effectiveness of the government’s approach. Martin de Brabant, the acting mayor of Schaerbeek, expressed strong criticism towards Van Bossuyt in the same publication. He contends that the government is falling short in its efforts to deport undocumented individuals apprehended in his municipality, highlighting that only 8 percent of such individuals have been successfully returned to their home countries.

As reported by belganewsagency.eu.