Belgium’s Federal Government has reached an agreement with Algeria on the return of Algerian nationals that are risiding in Belgium illegally. The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist) and the Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Flemish nationalist) signed the deal with the Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf.
In 2025, 2,251 Algerian nationals were issued with an order to leave Belgium. In total, 85 Algerians were repatriated to their country of origin. This figure includes both voluntary and forcible repatriations. There are currently 780 Algerians in Belgian prisons. Of these 700 have no legal right to reside here.
The ministers say that Tuesday's agreement will create conditions for the faster and more efficient return of migrants to Algeria. The identification period will be reduced from several months to around 15 days.
Furthermore, the validity of the so-called "laisser-passer", a travel document given to those told to return, will be extended from 1 day to 30 days. This is expected to help in cases where individuals resist repatriation and as a result the authorities require more time to complete the process.
The agreement also allows for multiple returnees to be transferred on a single flight. Belgium will be able to call on Algerian escorts in cases of forced return.
Visa waiver
In addition to the agreement of the return of migrants, the Belgian and Algerian governments have agreed on a visa waiver for Algerian holders of diplomatic and service passports. Ms Van Bossuyt says that the two agreements are linked.
"In exchange for the visa waiver for diplomatic and service passports, there will be more efficient returns. If 1 of the 2 partners fails to fulfil its commitment, this will also have consequences for the other agreement”, Ms Van Bossuyt said
Both agreements will need the approval of parliament before they take effect.