The number of requests for Belgian nationality drops from 10,000 a year to 175

The number of requests for Belgian nationality drops from 10,000 a year to 175

The number of requests for Belgian nationality has dropped dramatically. There were 10,000 requests a year from 1995 to 2012 but just 175 in 2017, according to figures provided by N-VA MPs Sarah Smeyers and Werner Janssens. 

The massive drop in requests for Belgian nationality could be caused by the harsher rules which were introduced in 2013. Applicants now have to have been living in Belgium for 5 years, speak one of the official languages and show proof of integration. 

The number of requests began dropping in 2013 and dropped even more in 2014. The Chamber’s Naturalisation Commission received just 175 requests in 2017. There have been 104 requests so far this year. 


The Brussels Times


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