On the eve of the Pact’s rollout, a detailed EUobserver investigation raised alarms about member-state readiness and the potential for mass detention at border ‘fast-track’ facilities. The report, published on 11 June, quotes Brussels-based NGO Homelands Advisory as saying that screening, reception capacity, Eurodac integration and staffing remain “peppered with holes,” especially in frontline states. Belgian lawyers from the Platform for Refugee Support echo the concerns, pointing out that the Royal Decree transposing the screening regulation preserves only 10 days for appeals—half the period recommended by the Council of State. They fear asylum seekers channelled into the accelerated procedure at Antwerp port could effectively be detained for months while return flights are arranged. The article also notes that the list of ‘safe’ countries triggering accelerated processing includes Morocco, India and Tunisia—nations that account for a growing share of Belgian work-permit holders. Mistaken placement of legitimate labour migrants into asylum fast-tracks could therefore undermine broader talent-attraction goals. Belgian employers’ federation VBO/FEB urged the government to ring-fence resources so that economic-migration files do not get stuck behind backlogged asylum cases, warning of “reputational damage” to Belgium’s investment climate if permits slow markedly during the summer peak.
Source: EUobserver
