Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), has halted the return premium for asylum seekers from Moldova following her first foreign ‘deterrence mission’ to the country.
Her decision followed the realisation that the premium, which could reach up to €1,000, was significantly attracting migrants to Belgium.
“The return premium no longer serves its purpose and is even being exploited by criminal networks,” Van Bossuyt said.
Discussions with Moldovan authorities and border officials revealed that human traffickers were taking advantage of the system by demanding a portion of the premium from returnees. “The return support has thus become a pull factor. That is why we are stopping it immediately,” Minister Van Bossuyt announced in a press release.
Since 2020, Belgium has registered nearly 1,000 applications annually from Moldovans, a significant increase compared to previous years. Moldova is considered a safe country of origin, and less than 1% of these applications result in protection.
“This trend peaks every year during the winter months,” Ms. Van Bossuyt noted, adding that most applicants come from the country’s north, often from the Roma community.
“This is asylum tourism," she said, "individuals coming to Belgium temporarily to benefit from our reception system without any legal grounds or chance of protection.”
The minister highlighted that this migration flow puts pressure on the country's reception system, occupying places needed for those who genuinely require help.
Halting the premium is part of a broader strategy to discourage misuse, according to Van Bossuyt.
Moldovan asylum applications are processed quickly through a fast-track procedure.
In future, applicants will be housed in separate centres focused on rapid return.
Financial support is being withdrawn. Only food aid will be available for those exiting the reception centres prematurely.
