The Belgian parliament has approved a law allowing police to enter private homes to arrest undocumented immigrants facing deportation. The legislation, which was introduced by Asylum and Immigration Minister Annelyn Van Bussoit, passed on November 6 by 80 votes to 35, with 12 abstentions.
The measure targets immigrants who refuse deportation orders and are considered threats to public order or national security. The police must obtain judicial approval before entering homes, including properties belonging to third parties. It is scheduled to enter into force on March 1, 2027.
According to the official statistics agency of Belgium, 36.6% of the residents throughout the country and 78.5% in Brussels are foreign citizens or Belgian citizens with a foreign background.