Belgium Cracks Down on Irregular Migration via Strategic Border Checks
Belgium Intends to Reinforce Border Checks
Hey there! Belgium's government is beefing up its border enforcement to combat irregular migration and fight crime more effectively. The plan involves focused checks at places like major entry points, motorway service stations, international bus routes, certain trains, and even intra-European flights, especially from countries with high migration pressure such as Italy and Greece. However, these measures won't be considered traditional border controls but rather targeted checks close to borders [2][3][4].
Starting soon, these controls will be in full swing for a six-month trial period. After evaluating their efficiency, the government will decide on their future [1]. The European Commission acknowledges these measures as an alternative to traditional border controls [1].
Despite the good intentions, Belgian police unions have voiced some concerns. Wondering how these checks can be carried out without affecting other police duties is their main query. Typically, such enhanced border checks may raise concerns about logistical challenges, resource strain, and potential profiling [5].
The move is part of a larger trend in the Schengen zone, with countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands also strengthening border measures in response to migration pressures. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever's government, leaning to the right, has placed migration control high on its priority list, reflecting a commitment to discourage "asylum shopping" and irregular entry into Belgium [3].
In essence, Belgium's strategy leans towards targeted checks at key transport hubs—motorways, bus routes, trains (like Brussels' Gare du Midi), and airports—focusing on irregular migrants and asylum seekers turned away elsewhere. The goal is to minimize illegal immigration and crime, particularly from individuals who have already filed asylum applications in other countries where they encountered either rejection or approval [2][3][4].
References:
- ntv.de, dpa
- Migration Control: Belgium Tightens Measures, Turning Away Asylum Seekers at Zaventem Airport
- Belgium Hardens Stance on Migration and Asylum Seekers
- Why the Schengen Area is Tightening its Borders
- Police Unions Raise Concerns About Belgium's Enhanced Border Control Measures
Community policy discussions may involve the assessment of Belgium's new employment policies as they relate to the increased border checks aimed at curbing irregular migration. Such employment policies could address thelogical challenges, resource strain, and potential profiling concerns raised by police unions.
The migration issue in Belgium and other European countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands, has spilled over into general news, crime-and-justice, and even politics, as governments take steps to address war-and-conflicts' consequences and control borders.
Policymakers might find it beneficial to consider a comprehensive approach that addresses not only border controls but also employment opportunities, reducing the incentives for irregular migration and addressing the root causes of migration pressures such as war and conflict.
