“Clearer rules for labour migration, family reunification and expulsion of EU citizens”

The draft will now be discussed in cabinet and the final version will still need the approval of parliament before it becomes law.  Whether this process can be completed before the June general election is uncertain.

The far right Vlaams Belang has already dubbed the text an election stunt.  Parliament usually gets to see draft legislation first, not the press, the party notes.  Flemish nationalist migration expert Theo Francken isn’t impressed either.  He believes the text will never become law in its present form because a new coalition beckons after the election.

The aim is to provide a more coherent and transparent migration policy.  Current policies need to take account of legislation dating from 1980 that has been amended many times.  The result is an untransparent knot that offers little clarity.

Ms De Moor says the legislation will cut the time needed for lengthy procedures giving asylum seekers and migrants greater clarity about their situation more quickly.  Loopholes will be closed to prevent abuse.

The new text includes clear conditions to obtain visa and on access to the country.  A new visa is being introduced for British cross border workers.  Systematic checks on abuse of social security by EU citizens will also be organised. It also becomes easier to expel EU citizens who commit crimes or pose a nuisance.

Clear procedures are introduced for non-EU citizens from the EEA, who wish to settle in Belgium.