Belgium Eyes Deportation for Afghan Nationals After Prison Sentences

Belgium Considers Deportation for Afghan Nationals Serving Prison Sentences

Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has stated that approximately 60 Afghan nationals currently serving prison sentences in Belgium could face deportation upon completing their terms. This announcement brings the issue of post-prison returns to the forefront of discussions regarding security and removal policies. The individuals in question are in Belgium without legal residency and are incarcerated for various offenses.

The minister’s remarks indicate a desire to prevent these individuals from being released into the Belgian community after their sentences are served. Some of the convictions involve serious crimes, including murder and rape, with specific mention of rape of minors. This proposal focuses on what happens after custody ends, not on immediate removal from prison. Van Bossuyt has framed this as a public safety measure, emphasizing that she does not want these individuals to be free in Belgium. She has also clarified that discussions with Afghan officials are for security purposes and do not constitute political endorsement of the current Afghan authorities.

Post-Sentence Returns Face Legal and Practical Hurdles

The minister’s statement outlines an intention rather than a guaranteed outcome for every individual. Any deportation would occur only after the completion of prison sentences. Furthermore, such returns are contingent on practical steps, such as confirming the identity of the individuals and obtaining necessary travel documents.

Legal safeguards also play a role, particularly concerning the risk of serious harm upon return to Afghanistan. These protections mean that a political announcement alone cannot ensure the deportation of every person in this group. Belgium has already engaged in discussions with Afghan representatives regarding return procedures. In June 2026, a visa was issued to a delegation from Afghanistan for talks in Brussels.

A previous deportation occurred in July 2026, when an Afghan national convicted of drug trafficking was sent back. While this demonstrates the government’s capability to carry out returns, the current statement concerns a larger group and does not guarantee similar outcomes for each case.

Belgium’s Broader Return Strategy

The proposed deportations are part of a wider effort by Belgium to increase removals. This includes initiatives like “return hubs” and enhanced cooperation with countries of origin. This policy discussion also reflects calls from other European governments. In October 2025, twenty European countries sent a joint letter to the European Commission, urging it to prioritize the deportation of Afghan citizens. This broader European context, rather than a resolution of individual cases, shapes the current situation in Belgium.

The individuals affected are described as both convicted criminals and unlawfully present in the country. The proposed approach is not a universal policy for all Afghan nationals residing in Belgium.

Political Disagreements Surround the Return Policy

The policy on returns has also become a point of contention within Belgium’s governing coalition. Reports suggest the debate is linked to a compromise on Gaza evacuations, which was prepared by the Foreign Minister. The disagreement centers on the use of Afghan return policy within larger migration negotiations, including discussions about Gaza evacuations. This political friction accompanies the government’s push for more removals and greater cooperation on return processes.

While activists in Belgium have voiced criticism of the proposed policy, Van Bossuyt maintains that engagement with Afghan authorities is a security measure and not an act of recognition or support for the Islamic Emirate. The successful implementation of these returns will depend on cooperation with Afghan authorities, Belgium’s established removal procedures, and the legal protections applicable to each individual. The June talks in Brussels were specifically aimed at discussing these return procedures.

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