The latest Eurostat bulletin released on 17 February shows 54,825 first-time asylum applications across the EU in November 2025—a 26 % decrease year-on-year. Belgium registered 1,895 claims, down 11 % compared with November 2024, placing it eighth among member states.
Venezuelan, Afghan and Bangladeshi nationals topped the applicant list EU-wide, while Belgium’s caseload was dominated by Syrians (22 %), Palestinians (15 %) and Afghans (13 %). Despite the decline, Belgium’s Immigration Office warns of seasonal spikes once spring weather eases overland routes.
![Eurostat: First-Time Asylum Applications in EU Fall 26 %; Belgium Sees Modest Drop]()
For employers, the reduced inflow could lengthen processing times for work-permit conversions, as economic-migration units are reassigned to handle residual asylum inventories. On the upside, reception-centre occupancy has fallen below 90 % for the first time since 2022, freeing emergency accommodation often used for newly arrived intra-company transferees.
Legal practitioners note that Belgium’s backlog of appeals remains high—over 14,000 cases—meaning humanitarian-status employees may still face uncertainty over residence renewals. Companies should track case milestones closely and avoid assigning staff whose status is under review to projects that require frequent cross-border travel.
The data also fuels ongoing political debate ahead of Belgium’s June 2026 federal elections, with some parties citing the fall as proof that tougher border screening works, while NGOs warn that lower numbers may reflect dangerous deterrence along the Balkan route.
Venezuelan, Afghan and Bangladeshi nationals topped the applicant list EU-wide, while Belgium’s caseload was dominated by Syrians (22 %), Palestinians (15 %) and Afghans (13 %). Despite the decline, Belgium’s Immigration Office warns of seasonal spikes once spring weather eases overland routes.
For employers, the reduced inflow could lengthen processing times for work-permit conversions, as economic-migration units are reassigned to handle residual asylum inventories. On the upside, reception-centre occupancy has fallen below 90 % for the first time since 2022, freeing emergency accommodation often used for newly arrived intra-company transferees.
Legal practitioners note that Belgium’s backlog of appeals remains high—over 14,000 cases—meaning humanitarian-status employees may still face uncertainty over residence renewals. Companies should track case milestones closely and avoid assigning staff whose status is under review to projects that require frequent cross-border travel.
The data also fuels ongoing political debate ahead of Belgium’s June 2026 federal elections, with some parties citing the fall as proof that tougher border screening works, while NGOs warn that lower numbers may reflect dangerous deterrence along the Balkan route.
Source: The Brussels Times
