Belgium's Rising Deportation Figures for Moroccan Nationals
In a notable development, Belgium has reported the deportation of 233 Moroccan nationals from its prisons during the first eight months of 2026, marking the highest figure among all nationalities subjected to deportation from Belgian correctional facilities. This information was disclosed by the Belgian news agency Belga, highlighting a significant trend in the country's immigration enforcement practices. Following closely behind the Moroccan deportations were approximately 195 Albanian nationals and 138 Algerians, illustrating a broader pattern of forced returns that has been gaining momentum in recent years. The data, provided by Belgian Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt, indicates that a total of 1,239 individuals were returned to their home countries after completing their prison sentences in Belgium, setting a new record for such deportations.
This figure not only surpasses the previous record of 1,112 returns noted during the same timeframe in 2017, but also reflects a clear increase from the 991 deportations conducted in 2025 and 828 in 2024. The surge in deportations can be attributed to individuals who either lacked valid residence permits or had served most, if not all, of their sentences in Belgian prisons. Minister Van Bossuyt emphasized that this increase is part of a government initiative focused on enhancing the efficiency of returns, which has been facilitated by collaborative efforts with the Justice Department and increased investments in resources and personnel.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Morocco has been cooperative in facilitating the return of its nationals, with agreements in place that are regularly renewed. In line with these efforts, Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden made a visit to Morocco in June to engage in discussions regarding judicial cooperation with her Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Ouahbi. During this visit, it was expressed that transferring convicted Moroccan nationals back to Morocco to serve their sentences is a top priority, underscoring the fact that approximately one in ten prisoners in Belgium is of Moroccan descent. This ongoing situation raises important questions about the dynamics of international cooperation in matters of immigration and criminal justice.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
