Belgium Issued Record Number of Family Reunification Visas in 2024

Belgium has opened its doors for 20,724 people coming to the country on a family reunification visa in 2024, prompting the country to receive the largest number of newcomers on such visas in more than one decade.

As the government discusses tightening rules for family reunification visas, candidates already complain about the lengthy procedures for such visas, saying they are already strict, Schengen.News reports.

According to figures published by the Immigration Office, one in four visas approved by Belgium in 2024 were granted to family members of a refugee. As a result, 5,700 people obtained family visas in 2024, almost two times higher than 2,000 granted in 2023. 

In addition, during the same year, 6,000 non-EU nationals were granted a family reunification visa to come and live in the country with a Belgian. A large number of visas were granted to other groups’ family members, including migrant workers. 

Granting Fewer Visas Could Impact the Integration of Migrants Who Are Already in Belgium, Immigration Expert Says 
The number of asylum seekers in Belgium is on the rise, with 33,146 people seeking asylum in 2024. This is the second-highest figure since 2015 when 39,064 asylum seekers were recorded. The year 2015 is also known as the year of a migration crisis, with over one million people coming to the EU during this period. 

Usually, once asylum seekers are granted refugee status, they apply for family reunification in an attempt to bring their family members to the country. This practice has caused a rise in the number of family reunification visas to Belgium.

However, Astrid Declercq, an expert in family reunification at the Federal Migration Centre Myria, says that family reunification is crucial for the integration of newcomers.

Several Countries Plan to Tighten Rules for Family Reunification 
While Belgium is considering tightening rules for family reunification visas, Scandinavian countries have already implemented restrictions on their visas for family reunification, introducing more requirements for candidates. 

The Finnish government has proposed to tighten rules for those who want to come to Finland on such visas, introducing an age restriction. In addition, it is possible to introduce an amount threshold for migrants bringing their children to be applied. 

In addition, a proposal for tighter rules on family reunification visas was initiated in Denmark, which, if approved, can make it more difficult for residents in this country to bring their family members into the country. Individuals with criminal records could also face more stringent rules.

Source: https://schengen.news/belgium-issued-record-number-of-family-reunification-visas-in-2024/