Belgium could seek return centers outside EU for migrants

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said in parliament that Belgium could use return centers in countries outside the European Union to house migrants who are not eligible to stay in the EU. The plan would allow these centers to be used as final destinations or transit points to send people back to their home countries or to another third country. Minors would not be sent to such centers. The details come from a report based on a statement in the Belgian federal parliament, and the article cited is from Portfolio, which requires a paid subscription for full access.

What changed

The Belgian government is considering establishing return centers outside the EU. These centers would temporarily hold third-country nationals who are not entitled to remain in the EU, with the aim of expediting their removal. The plan contemplates centers serving as final destinations or as transit points to return individuals to their country of origin or another non-EU country.

Who is affected

The policy would apply to third-country nationals who do not have a right to stay in the EU. Minors would be excluded from being sent to these centers. The proposal focuses on those who cannot remain in Belgium or the EU and would be returned.

Practical next steps

Key questions to watch include how the centers would be operated, which non-EU countries would host them, and what legal safeguards would apply. Observers will want to see details on timelines, oversight, and the rights of people held there, including access to legal assistance. Since the information originates from a news archive with subscription access, readers should check official government statements or parliamentary records for primary details when available.

Limits and questions

Important uncertainties remain, such as the exact location(s) of any centers, the jurisdictions governing them, and how this approach would interact with EU asylum rules and human rights standards. The mention that minors would not be sent there provides some protection, but other safeguards would require clarification in official policy documents.

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