Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt on 3 December 2025 confirmed that people who already hold refugee status—or a pending asylum claim—in another EU state will no longer be eligible for accommodation in Belgium’s reception network.
The measure, part of the Easter Agreement reform package, follows months of court-ordered fines against the government for failing to house thousands of arrivals. Officials argue that ending ‘double shelter’ will free up beds for first-time applicants and deter so-called asylum shopping. NGOs counter that the policy violates EU reception rules and could push vulnerable migrants onto Belgian streets in the middle of winter.
![Belgium Shuts Shelter Doors to ‘Asylum Shoppers’ Already Protected Elsewhere in EU]()
For global employers relocating talent under humanitarian visas or special skills schemes, the stricter stance means that any dependent family member with protection elsewhere must regularise status before arrival. Legal advisers recommend pre-screening transferees’ previous asylum history to avoid inadvertent ineligibility.
The reforms also introduce faster dismissal of repeat asylum claims and limit legal aid. Observers expect a surge in appeals to Belgium’s Council for Alien Law Litigation, potentially lengthening processing times despite the government’s intent to speed them up.
The measure, part of the Easter Agreement reform package, follows months of court-ordered fines against the government for failing to house thousands of arrivals. Officials argue that ending ‘double shelter’ will free up beds for first-time applicants and deter so-called asylum shopping. NGOs counter that the policy violates EU reception rules and could push vulnerable migrants onto Belgian streets in the middle of winter.
For global employers relocating talent under humanitarian visas or special skills schemes, the stricter stance means that any dependent family member with protection elsewhere must regularise status before arrival. Legal advisers recommend pre-screening transferees’ previous asylum history to avoid inadvertent ineligibility.
The reforms also introduce faster dismissal of repeat asylum claims and limit legal aid. Observers expect a surge in appeals to Belgium’s Council for Alien Law Litigation, potentially lengthening processing times despite the government’s intent to speed them up.
