Parliament has been debating the text since before the summer. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA) and minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) drew it up. The bill allows police to raid the homes of people residing illegally who persistently refuse to co-operate with their return to their country of origin and also pose a security risk.
The new legislation has met with strong opposition. The left-wing opposition describes it as a human-rights violation and a slippery slope. “We have seen on the other side of the Atlantic how quickly a democracy can slide towards ICE-style practices,” says Matti Vandemaele (Groen), referring to the controversial immigration police in the United States. “What this government is doing here is getting everything in place.”
Civil society groups are also critical. Lawyers, investigating judges and the federal police raised serious objections during hearings in the Chamber. They say the text is unclear about what it means by the terms “threat to public order or security”. They also argue that, under the existing legal framework, investigating judges can already authorise searches of the homes of people in such categories.
Several mayors, including Mohamed Ridouani (Vooruit) in Leuven, have also said they will oppose home raids in their municipalities. However, during Thursday evening’s debate, Vooruit MP Achraf El Yakhloufi stressed that all mayors would apply the law.
Despite fierce criticism, the majority pushed the bill through. At Les Engagés’ request, the majority made further amendments, including measures to better protect minors. The concessions were not enough for the left-wing opposition. On Thursday afternoon, PS, PVDA, PTB, and Ecolo-Groen made a last-ditch request to postpone the vote because of the government crisis, but the request was rejected.
The liberal opposition party, Anders, supported the bill. Vlaams Belang abstained, arguing that the bill has been watered down so much that it will have little practical effect.
The initial translation of this content was generated by AI. All facts, context, and language have subsequently been verified and validated by a human editorial team.
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