Belgium to Outsource Visa Intake at 17 Diplomatic Posts
Belgium Reports Ninth Consecutive Drop in Asylum Requests
UK Updates Belgium Travel Advice, Flags Ongoing Strike Risk
Latest News
Strike Tracker: No Transport Walkouts Planned in Belgium
Online platform Strike Tracker shows Belgium has no planned transport strikes for the coming week as of 18 October 2026, following a settlement with public-service unions. The pause offers welcome stability to business travellers, but companies are advised to stay alert because industrial action can be announced with just 24 hours’ notice.
Belgium’s asylum applications drop 30%, ninth consecutive monthly fall
Belgium registered 2,071 asylum claims in September, a 30% annual decrease and the ninth monthly fall in a row. Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt credits stricter national rules, while NGOs cite wider geopolitical shifts. The Immigration Office’s workload is down, but the CGRS backlog has hit a record, threatening longer processing for some applicants. Planned cuts in reception capacity could free housing but risk future bottlenecks if arrivals rise.
Leaked Brussels meeting shows EU exploring deportation deal with Taliban
A leaked account of a 23 June meeting in Brussels reveals that EU and Taliban officials discussed deporting certain Afghan nationals from Europe. The disclosure, reported on 16 October, has sparked legal and ethical concerns at the European Council summit and could complicate travel plans for Afghans living or working in Belgium. Companies should watch for policy changes and possible demonstrations in Brussels’ EU district.
Belgium shares digital enforcement tactics on undeclared work with Western Balkans inspectors
During an EU-backed study visit on 13–14 October, Belgian labour inspectors demonstrated their real-time, data-driven approach to tackling undeclared work for enforcement authorities from the Western Balkans. The exercise underscores Belgium’s stringent compliance environment and highlights the growing importance of digital documentation for companies posting workers.