Foreign diplomats working in Belgium also have to pay their fines

Foreign diplomats working in Belgium also have to pay their fines

The Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders has put pressure on diplomats working in Belgium who refuse to pay their traffic fines. There was a 75% fall in those who didn’t pay their fines in just a few months, the Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Monday.  

Diplomats working in Belgium, as well as member of their family, have immunity. Some abuse it to avoid paying their parking and traffic fines. In March, Greek (4,944 euros) Romanian (3,995 euros) Egyptian (2,560 euros) and Spanish (1,845 euros) diplomats were the biggest offenders in Belgium.

Working together with the Prosecutor’s office, the Foreign Affairs protocol service has started to keep a closer eye on them to try and cover these fines. “The diplomats concerned are asked pay these fines by telephone, post or email. The extra effort has paid off so far, as the amount left unpaid has reduced significantly”, the Foreign Affairs said.

Mr Reynders has also instructed Belgian diplomats posted abroad to pay their fines.

(Source: Belga)


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