The Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), has announced new measures to deny housing to individuals already granted protection in another European country, provided each case is adequately justified.
The announcement follows the suspension by Belgium’s Council of State, and earlier by the Constitutional Court, of a previous decision by the minister.
Both rulings opposed her plan to stop offering aid to asylum seekers with protection in other EU nations.
Last Friday, the minister clarified that the legal framework for refusing aid remained intact but emphasised the importance of case-by-case justification.
On Wednesday, Ms Van Bossuyt revealed new procedures to ensure compliance with the Council of State’s ruling. Her updated policy allows the refusal of housing in specific cases where detailed motivation is provided. Each individual application is to be assessed separately.
Ms Van Bossuyt pointed out that the Council of State’s decision upholds the possibility of denial, but strictly requires sufficient reasoning. She mentioned that this point was reiterated four times in the ruling.
The minister defended her stricter approach, citing “unbearable migration pressure” on society, and pledged to uphold the measures despite resistance.
She stressed her commitment to enforcing the policy within the boundaries of judicial precedent.
Her stance has drawn sharp criticism from the left-wing opposition.
Xavier Dubois, a legislator from Les Engagés— a partner in the coalition government—urged the minister to withdraw the directive, underlining the need for clear instructions in line with the court’s ruling.
