Belgium passes law allowing home searches for undocumented migrants

On November 6, 2026, the Belgian parliament approved legislation granting police the authority to conduct searches in private residences to locate undocumented migrants. This measure is designed to facilitate the deportation of individuals who have previously ignored official orders to leave the country.

The scope of the law is described differently by sources. According to Rik News, the measure applies to migrants who lack legal documentation and have refused to comply with deportation orders. Conversely, reports from Reporter indicate that the legislation specifically authorizes police to enter homes to apprehend individuals deemed a threat to public security as part of a broader government strategy to enhance national enforcement.

This legislative action follows a series of government efforts to streamline migration management and improve security outcomes. By increasing the powers of the police to enter private properties, the government aims to address the backlog of individuals residing in the country without valid permits. The legislation serves as a cornerstone of the current administration’s policy to accelerate the rate of deportations and maintain stricter control over the nation's immigration status, though it has sparked debate regarding individual privacy and civil enforcement measures.