In 2024, Belgium issued a record 20,724 family reunification visas, the highest number in over ten years. Of these, about one in four were granted to the family members of refugees. For instance, 5,700 people received family visas in 2024, nearly double the 2,000 granted in 2023.
Granting Fewer Visas Could Impact the Integration of Migrants Who Are Already in Belgium, Immigration Expert Says
This increase aligns with Belgium’s rise in asylum seekers, as 33,146 people applied for asylum in 2024. Experts stress that family reunification plays a vital role in helping newcomers integrate into society, warning that restricting these visas could affect migrant integration.
Several Countries Plan to Tighten Rules for Family Reunification
Despite this, Belgium is considering tightening the rules for family reunification visas, following the lead of Scandinavian countries like Finland and Denmark, which have already imposed stricter requirements, such as age limits and financial thresholds.
Belgium’s potential policy shift is part of a broader European discussion on managing migration while addressing social and economic challenges.