Belgium’s far-right party Vlaams Belang on 28 January 2026 renewed calls for a dedicated police force to track and deport undocumented migrants, drawing comparisons with the United States’ ICE. Speaking on public-radio programme *De Ochtend*, MP Francesca Van Belleghem argued that every local police zone should have at least one officer specialised in “illegal migration”, with full units deployed in hotspots such as Antwerp and Brussels.
The proposal, expected to be tabled in parliament within weeks, would mark a significant shift from Belgium’s current mixed federal-local enforcement model and could lead to more workplace raids and document checks. Business associations fear that ramped-up enforcement could spill over to compliant companies, increasing administrative inspections and reputational risk.
![Vlaams Belang pushes for specialised ‘illegal-immigration police’ ahead of elections]()
While the governing parties have dismissed the idea as electoral posturing, analysts note that migration will be a central theme in the June 2026 federal elections. Should Vlaams Belang gain influence in coalition talks, stricter compliance obligations—such as mandatory workforce-status audits—could follow. Global mobility managers are therefore advised to ensure that HR files, posted-worker notifications and social-security declarations are in full order.
The debate also illustrates the polarisation of Belgium’s immigration discourse. Employers reliant on third-country talent may wish to engage proactively with industry groups to articulate the economic value of managed migration and avoid policy swings that could hinder recruitment.
The proposal, expected to be tabled in parliament within weeks, would mark a significant shift from Belgium’s current mixed federal-local enforcement model and could lead to more workplace raids and document checks. Business associations fear that ramped-up enforcement could spill over to compliant companies, increasing administrative inspections and reputational risk.
While the governing parties have dismissed the idea as electoral posturing, analysts note that migration will be a central theme in the June 2026 federal elections. Should Vlaams Belang gain influence in coalition talks, stricter compliance obligations—such as mandatory workforce-status audits—could follow. Global mobility managers are therefore advised to ensure that HR files, posted-worker notifications and social-security declarations are in full order.
The debate also illustrates the polarisation of Belgium’s immigration discourse. Employers reliant on third-country talent may wish to engage proactively with industry groups to articulate the economic value of managed migration and avoid policy swings that could hinder recruitment.
Source: The Brussels Times
