Is regularization expected for undocumented aliens?

Answer

Dear Nuri,

The government statement said the following about this: “Anyone who wants to be naturalized as a Belgian must live in our country continuously and legally for five years and demonstrate that he or she is willing to integrate. We will correctly implement the new asylum law. Who does not have a right of residence will be deported from the country – voluntarily and accompanied if possible, with humane coercion if necessary.. Foreign nationals who were permanently in our country before 31 March 2007 and who have the prospect of work or self-employment, can exceptionally obtain a work permit and right of residence. This measure is in line with the economic migration for which we want to open the possibility in the short term. The criteria for regularization on an individual basis are clarified. This concerns in particular asylum seekers who are involved in a lengthy procedure and foreign nationals who have a permanent local anchorage. in our country.”

What the government mainly intends to do is to clarify the criteria for granting a right of residence. Minister Turtelboom is working on a circular that clarifies the criteria and about which you may have heard something in the media in recent days. The most important criterion in the current design would be having a job. In addition, children, recommendation of the mayor, …

A major wave of regularization as we experienced it a few years ago under purple-green does not seem to be imminent. Some parties are in favor of this (PS, CDH), but others are radically against it (Open vld, CD&V, MR). There is also clearly no agreement yet on the criteria, which should be made clearer. PS and CDH have already requested the resignation of the competent minister. There is also discussion about who should take the decision on regularization (the minister or a committee).

It is therefore currently very unclear whether and to what extent regularizations will follow. The contradictions in this regard are very large between the coalition partners.