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Re-entry is possible, if the migrant fulfils the following entry conditions:
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BELGIUM
Possession of valid entry documents – depending on the person’s nationality this can be identity
card, passport and/or passport and visa);
The migrant stay does not exceed a maximum duration of three consecutive months (or a
cumulated period of stay which does not exceed three months in a total period of six months)
– this provision does not always apply to EU and EEA nationals;
Financial means of living must be given – Belgium foresees about EUR 50 per day. The
relevant amount is to be guaranteed either in cash, through valid credit cards, on bank accounts,
or by a Belgian citizen and/or a foreigner with an indefinite stay permit standing
surety for the visitor;
The migrant must have a valid reason to come to Belgium – if the reason is deemed to be
unfounded, entry can be refused;
There has been no Royal Decree for expulsion or a Ministerial Decree for Removal in the
migrants records for the past ten years;
The person applying for re-entry does not pose a danger to the public order, national security
or public health.
Re-entry of nationals, who have to apply for a visa following forced removal, is subject to repayment
of previous removal costs. Only on payment of the removal costs will a visa be issued. This
provision pertains only to non-EU and non-EEA nationals, who apply for a visa for a period of
less than three months.
In order to keep a record of the relevant migrants and allow Embassies and Consulates to ask for
reimbursement, these persons’ data are inserted into the national police database (the so-called
central signalment bulletin). Persons who have or are granted the right – either by law, by a decree,
or other international regulations – to stay in Belgium for a period longer than three months
(e.g. for work, studies, family unification, etc.) do not have to pay back the removal costs.
Where an alien has been removed on grounds of a Royal Decree for expulsion or a Ministerial
Decree for Removal, re-entry is not possible for a period of ten years, unless the Decree is not
suspended or annulled. Forced removals on the basis of such decrees are only executed against
foreigners who have committed an offence that cannot be considered a minor offence. The data
of these migrants are inserted into the Schengen Information System. Deported migrants will
have a stamp in their travel document indicating their deportation.
1.4 STATISTICS ON INVOLUNTARY RETURN
TABLE 1
STATISTICS ON INVOLUNTARY RETURN
Year Forced Returns Rejection at Borders Total
2001 5,722 5,622 11,344
2002 7,451 4,138 11,589
2003 (until August) 5,147 2,257 7,404
Total 18,320 12,017 30,337