Belgium Grants Record Number of Family Reunification Visas in 2024

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More people reunited with their families in Belgium in 2024 than ever before, even as debates continued over stricter immigration rules.

The government approved over 20,000 family reunification visas, raising challenges in balancing support for families with border control efforts.

Thousands arrive in Belgium through family reunification

Figures from the country’s Immigration Department showed that Belgium issued 20,740 family reunification visas in 2024, the highest in over a decade.

According to the report, family reunification remains the country’s dominant migration channel. Despite ongoing debates about stricter immigration rules, approvals keep rising.

Refugee families made up the largest group of recipients. Official data shows that one in four visas went to refugee family members. This group saw a sharp rise, with 5,700 approvals in 2024 compared to 2,000 in 2023.

More than 6,000 non-European Union (EU) nationals also joined their Belgian relatives through family reunification.

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Growing demand amid stricter rules

The Belgian government has strict eligibility rules for family reunification.

Applicants must be a spouse, a legally cohabiting partner, or a minor child. A minor can apply to bring their parents. The sponsor must show financial stability, earning at least €2,089 net per month, and have suitable housing.

Despite these rules, applications keep increasing. More Belgian citizens are also applying, with requests rising from 1,700 in 2021 to over 6,000 in 2024. Many are naturalized Belgians from Afghanistan and Syria hoping to reunite with their families.

Tightening restrictions in Europe

Belgium is not the only country reviewing its family reunification policies. Scandinavian countries have already tightened their rules.

Finland plans to set age limits and financial requirements for migrants bringing their children. Denmark may add restrictions for applicants with criminal records. Norway now requires immigrants to meet higher income standards to qualify for family reunification.

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The cost of reuniting families

Immigration experts argue that restricting family reunification could hinder integration efforts. Astrid Declercq, a migration expert, emphasized the social impact.

“As long as people are separated from their families, it is much more difficult to integrate. They are mainly concerned with their wives, children, or parents who have stayed behind, often in dangerous situations.”

How travel, migration rules are evolving

The rise in family reunification visas comes as the EU strengthens border controls and travel rules.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to start in 2026, will require short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries to get pre-travel approval before entering the Schengen Area.

While aimed at tourists and business travelers, it reflects a broader effort to manage migration.

For long-term migrants, including those seeking family reunification, changes to Schengen visa rules may bring new challenges. Stricter paperwork and higher financial requirements could make the process longer and more difficult.

These policies show a shift toward tighter migration control while still considering humanitarian needs.

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Shaping the future of EU immigration policies

Belgium’s surge in family reunification visas could shape immigration debates across the EU.

Countries facing similar migration patterns may tighten their policies, leading to stricter but more uniform family reunification rules. Some nations, like those in Scandinavia, have already added financial and legal barriers to reduce applications.

In Belgium, political discussions suggest new measures could follow this trend. While the country supports family reunification, stricter regulations may change how applications are handled across the EU.

As governments manage migration, they must balance humanitarian responsibilities with national interests.

What lies ahead?

Belgium’s Federal Government is considering stricter family reunification rules. Some policymakers argue that tighter controls are needed to manage migration. Others warn that stricter rules could lead more migrants to seek illegal routes.

The high number of visas issued in 2024 shows the strong demand for family reunification. As European governments debate their policies, thousands continue to navigate complex legal processes to reunite with their families.

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