Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), has ordered the closure of a further 700 reception places for single male asylum-seekers in Brussels, on top of the 300 places she cut at the end of June. The move effectively halves the ‘Brussels Deal’—a 2022 accord under which the federal government funds 2,000 beds in the capital in return for regional support. Van Bossuyt argues that the waiting list for accommodation has fallen to roughly 1,000 men—many currently couch-surfing with relatives—and that continuing to pay for unused capacity is “an irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money”. Brussels regional ministers, however, warn of an imminent social crisis, saying every bed remains occupied and that homeless shelters are already overstretched. The cutbacks form part of the coalition’s campaign to tighten migration policy after years of capacity strain and repeated court rulings against the Belgian state for failing to provide adequate shelter. Van Bossuyt says her end-goal is to phase out the Brussels Deal entirely and re-route all reception through the federal Fedasil network. For employers, the decision could have indirect consequences: prolonged street homelessness and legal disputes tend to delay asylum procedures and work-permit conversions for candidates who eventually secure refugee status. NGOs also fear reputational damage for Belgium just as the EU finalises its Pact on Migration and Asylum. Companies with CSR commitments or with staff engaged in pro-bono legal aid should monitor the situation; further reductions could trigger protests and service disruptions around key administrative offices in the capital.
Source: The Brussels Times
