Meeting in Brussels, EU lawmakers gave the green light on Sunday to a controversial plan that would allow rejected asylum-seekers to be detained for up to two years and transferred to so-called “return hubs” in third countries, mainly in Africa. The measures form part of the ten-law Pact on Migration and Asylum that is due to enter into force on 12 June 2026 and reflects a hardening political mood across the bloc. With EU institutions headquartered in Belgium, the country will play a central role in coordinating deportation flights, data-sharing and oversight of the new centres. Under the scheme, EU border agencies will gain expanded powers to raid residences, conduct mobile checks and deploy drones and thermal cameras to track irregular migrants. Supporters, including Flemish right-wing parties, argue that the policy will deter dangerous sea crossings and relieve pressure on frontline states such as Italy and Greece. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the pact shows the EU is “better equipped” than during the 2015 refugee crisis. Human-rights groups headquartered in Brussels, among them the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants and Amnesty International’s EU office, warn the proposal risks creating “legal black holes” where due-process standards collapse. A February NGO report documented more than 80,000 pushbacks in 2025 and an average of 221 per day, often accompanied by violence and theft of migrants’ belongings. For Belgian employers, especially those dependent on seasonal non-EU labour, the tougher enforcement environment could translate into more on-site inspections and higher documentary burdens to prove legal employment. Companies should audit contractor chains and ensure all foreign staff have valid permits, as authorities may intensify workplace raids once the pact is operational.
![EU Set to Create ‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants as Pact on Migration Nears Final Approval]()
For businesses and individuals trying to stay ahead of Belgium’s shifting immigration landscape, VisaHQ can streamline the process of securing the correct visas and work permits. The service’s Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) offers up-to-date requirements, document checklists and courier assistance, reducing administrative headaches for employers bringing in seasonal workers or executives and for NGO personnel traveling on short notice.
Corporations involved in humanitarian logistics or facility management at proposed “return hubs” may also find new business opportunities but face reputational scrutiny. While the pact still requires a final procedural vote, diplomats say the political deal is effectively sealed. Belgium’s role as host of EU agencies means that its immigration, justice and interior ministries must now scale up capacity to process increased data flows and coordinate charter flights—tasks likely to require additional budget allocations in 2026-27.
For businesses and individuals trying to stay ahead of Belgium’s shifting immigration landscape, VisaHQ can streamline the process of securing the correct visas and work permits. The service’s Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) offers up-to-date requirements, document checklists and courier assistance, reducing administrative headaches for employers bringing in seasonal workers or executives and for NGO personnel traveling on short notice.
Corporations involved in humanitarian logistics or facility management at proposed “return hubs” may also find new business opportunities but face reputational scrutiny. While the pact still requires a final procedural vote, diplomats say the political deal is effectively sealed. Belgium’s role as host of EU agencies means that its immigration, justice and interior ministries must now scale up capacity to process increased data flows and coordinate charter flights—tasks likely to require additional budget allocations in 2026-27.
