Belgium Sets Record for Criminal Deportations in Early 2026
Belgium has seen a significant increase in the deportation of criminals who do not have valid residence permits. In the first eight months of 2026, a record number of 1,239 individuals were removed from Belgian prisons and sent back to their home countries. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2017 for the same period, indicating a notable shift in the country’s approach to managing foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
The deportations involve individuals who have served all or a substantial portion of their sentences in Belgian correctional facilities and are found to be without the necessary legal status to remain in the country. This trend highlights Belgium’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and manage its prison population. The numbers for 2026 are already higher than the full-year totals for 2024 and 2025, suggesting a sustained increase in these removals.
Prison Removals Show Upward Trend
The number of criminals deported from Belgian prisons has been steadily climbing. In 2024, a total of 828 individuals were removed. This number rose to 991 in 2025. The current figure of 1,239 for January through August 2026 indicates a substantial acceleration in these removals.
Comparing the first eight months of 2026 with the same period in 2017, which saw 1,112 removals, shows a clear increase. This suggests that current policies and agreements are proving more effective in facilitating these deportations. The data indicates a strong focus on returning foreign nationals who have committed offenses and lack legal residency.
| Period | Removals from Belgian prisons | Coverage identified in the figures |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,239 | January-August |
| 2017 | 1,112 | January-August |
| 2025 | 991 | Reported annual figure |
| 2024 | 828 | Reported annual figure |
Top Nationalities Among Deported Criminals
Among the 1,239 individuals deported, certain nationalities were more represented than others. Moroccan nationals constituted the largest group, with 233 people being sent back to Morocco. Following closely were Albanian nationals, with 195 individuals deported. Algerian nationals also formed a significant portion, accounting for 138 removals. These figures represent specific nationality groups within the overall prison removal total and do not encompass all foreign nationals serving sentences in Belgium.
Readmission Agreements Drive Increase
Belgian Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt has linked the rise in deportations to improved readmission agreements with key countries, specifically mentioning Morocco and Algeria. These agreements facilitate the process of returning individuals to their countries of origin after they have completed their sentences. Van Bossuyt noted a significant increase compared to previous years, stating it was “an increase of almost 50 percent compared with two years ago.” This suggests that diplomatic efforts to secure cooperation on returns are yielding positive results.
New Rule to Allow Earlier Returns
A new rule set to take effect on October 1, 2026, will further streamline the deportation process. From this date, convicted individuals without valid residence permits can be returned to their home countries up to 12 months before the end of their sentence. Currently, this process can only begin six months prior to sentence completion. This change is expected to allow authorities to initiate returns earlier, potentially reducing the number of foreign nationals in prisons nearing the end of their sentences without clear plans for departure. The new procedure may also be implemented without the immediate involvement of a sentence-execution judge, speeding up the process for eligible individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the increase in criminal deportations from Belgium?
The increase is largely due to improved readmission agreements with countries like Morocco and Algeria, making it easier to return individuals.
Which nationalities are most affected by these deportations?
Moroccan nationals are the largest group, followed by Albanians and Algerians.
When will a new rule allowing earlier deportations take effect?
A new rule will allow convicted individuals to be deported up to 12 months before their sentence ends, starting October 1, 2026.
How does the new rule change the deportation process?
The new rule allows returns up to a year before a sentence ends and may proceed without immediate involvement from a sentence-execution judge, speeding things up.
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