Fresh statistics published on 23 December reveal that Belgium is holding over 13,000 inmates in prisons built for 11,000 – and that more than 40 % of prisoners are foreign nationals, with 31 % lacking legal residence status.
The figures, first reported by The European Conservative, have ignited a political storm. Opposition party Vlaams Belang labelled the situation a “ticking time bomb” after one night this month saw 672 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The right-wing party renewed calls to transfer criminal foreigners to custodial facilities in their home countries, arguing that doing so would free up beds and reduce correctional-staff overtime.
Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt are exploring bilateral deals with Albania and Kosovo to build satellite prisons abroad – a concept Belgium mooted in October after a study tour to Tirana and Pristina. Critics from human-rights NGOs say offshore detention risks breaching EU fundamental-rights guarantees, while prison-unions warn that overcrowding is compromising guard safety and rehabilitation programmes.
![Foreign-National Overcrowding in Belgian Prisons Fuels Debate on Deportation and Bilateral Prison Deals]()
For firms navigating Belgium’s increasingly complex immigration environment, VisaHQ can help streamline the process. The company’s Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) offers up-to-date guidance and hands-on assistance for Schengen visas, work permits and residence renewals, reducing the risk of administrative errors that could trigger compliance audits or detention.
For global-mobility stakeholders the scandal underlines the Belgian government’s hardening stance on irregular migration. Companies employing foreign workers may face stricter background checks when sponsoring work permits, and overstaying third-country nationals could face swifter detention pending removal. Immigration lawyers expect a surge in deportation orders in 2026 if capacity is freed up.
Multinationals are therefore advised to audit compliance processes, ensure prompt registration of residence cards and maintain clear records of payroll tax and social-security contributions, as irregularities can weigh against renewal applications. While no immediate legislative change has been tabled, insiders believe the De Wever cabinet will write deportation-facilitation measures into its 2026 budget proposal.
The figures, first reported by The European Conservative, have ignited a political storm. Opposition party Vlaams Belang labelled the situation a “ticking time bomb” after one night this month saw 672 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The right-wing party renewed calls to transfer criminal foreigners to custodial facilities in their home countries, arguing that doing so would free up beds and reduce correctional-staff overtime.
Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt are exploring bilateral deals with Albania and Kosovo to build satellite prisons abroad – a concept Belgium mooted in October after a study tour to Tirana and Pristina. Critics from human-rights NGOs say offshore detention risks breaching EU fundamental-rights guarantees, while prison-unions warn that overcrowding is compromising guard safety and rehabilitation programmes.
For firms navigating Belgium’s increasingly complex immigration environment, VisaHQ can help streamline the process. The company’s Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) offers up-to-date guidance and hands-on assistance for Schengen visas, work permits and residence renewals, reducing the risk of administrative errors that could trigger compliance audits or detention.
For global-mobility stakeholders the scandal underlines the Belgian government’s hardening stance on irregular migration. Companies employing foreign workers may face stricter background checks when sponsoring work permits, and overstaying third-country nationals could face swifter detention pending removal. Immigration lawyers expect a surge in deportation orders in 2026 if capacity is freed up.
Multinationals are therefore advised to audit compliance processes, ensure prompt registration of residence cards and maintain clear records of payroll tax and social-security contributions, as irregularities can weigh against renewal applications. While no immediate legislative change has been tabled, insiders believe the De Wever cabinet will write deportation-facilitation measures into its 2026 budget proposal.
