The Federal Minister responsible for asylum and migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Flemish nationalist) plans to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Turkey later this year to negotiate agreements on the return of migrants. A representative of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime is also expected to visit Belgium to negotiate the return of Afghans to their home country.
Asylum Minister plans visits to Turkey and the Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss migrant returns
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Bilateral talks on voluntary repatriation with officials from the countries of origin of migrants entering Belgium are Ms Van Bossuyt's key priority this year. The Asylum and Migration minister has described her approach as one of "give and take". "Countries that do not wish to cooperate with us on returns will not be able to count on our full support in other areas".
The Director-General of the Immigration Office Freddy Roosemont says that this is why Belgium's asylum services are preparing missions to the DRC and Turkey. During the missions, Belgian officials they will discuss return arrangements with the relevant authorities. In 2025, applicants from the DRC and Turkey ranked fourth and fifth respectively among those seeking asylum in Belgium.
Mr Roosemont told journalists that "There are many people in countries of origin that are unaware of what an asylum application actually entails. They believe human traffickers’ claims that everything is much easier in Europe. It is also our responsibility to provide information and explain that procedures and conditions apply."
Negotiations with the Taliban
Afghanistan is also a focus of the return policy. A technical and administrative mission to the country took place last week as part of a broader European initiative. During last week’s visit talks were held with the Taliban regime in Kabul about the possibility of returning Afghans to their home country. Later this year a representative of the Afghan regime is expected to travel to Brussels for discussions with the EU.
Afghanistan remained the first country of origin for asylum applicants in Belgium in 2025. The number of asylum applications by Afghans rose by 11% last year. 3,947 out of the 34,439 asylum applications submitted in Belgian came from Afghan nationals. 39% of these were follow-up applications that can be lodged if new elements emerge that are relevant to an applicant’s case.