Belgium steps up entry checks to combat illegal immigration
Belgium will implement tighter entry checks in the fight against illegal immigration and secondary immigration, where an asylum seeker already has protection or an application pending in another country.
The checks will target motorway car parks, on international bus traffic, on the road between Dunkirk and De Panne, on certain trains such as at Brussels Midi and on intra-Schengen flights from countries with high migration pressure, such as Italy and Greece.
Controls will be carried out in close cooperation between the federal police, local police and the Immigration Department, Interior minister Bernard Quintin and Asylum and Migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said on Thursday when announcing the policy.
Migration pressure
“We are assuming our responsibility by carrying out strict targeted checks at crucial junctions," said Quintin, of francophone liberals MR. "We are thus tackling illegal migration flows and preventing migration pressure from moving into Belgium, while tackling crime more effectively to strengthen security on our territory.”
Bossuyt, of N-VA, points out that some neighbouring countries have already tightened their policies.
"Belgium will no longer tolerate illegal migration and asylum shopping"
“If we do not take action, our country risks becoming a magnet for those stopped elsewhere,” she said. “Our message is clear: Belgium will no longer tolerate illegal migration and asylum shopping.”
In May, Germany’s new Interior minister instructed police to tighten border controls with the goal of turning back more irregular migrants, including those who intend to seek asylum in the country.
The Netherlands also implemented temporary controls at its borders with other Schengen countries in December. They were recently extended until 9 December 2025.
Passengers at border control at Brussels Airport, 16 June 2025 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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