Belgium parliament approves controversial home-search bill targeting migrants

Belgium's parliament early on Friday approved a controversial bill allowing police to enter the homes of certain undocumented migrants who have ignored orders to leave the country.

Belgium’s parliament early on Friday approved a controversial bill allowing police to enter the homes of certain undocumented migrants who have ignored orders to leave the country.

The measure is part of a broader push by Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s right-wing coalition to curb migration and increase the deportation of people who have been refused permission to stay in Belgium.

The legislation has drawn strong opposition from human rights groups and lawyers, who warn that allowing police to enter private homes for immigration enforcement could undermine constitutional rights and privacy protections.

Around 3,000 people formed a human chain around Brussels’ Palace of Justice on Wednesday evening to protest against the bill. More than 50 other demonstrations and gatherings were organised in towns and cities across the country, Belgian media reported.

The bill was approved by a majority of lawmakers at around 5:00 am local time (0400 GMT), after a debate that continued throughout the night.

The measure applies to people who have been denied asylum, have failed to comply with orders to leave Belgium and are considered a threat to public security.

Under the bill, searches require authorisation from an investigative judge and must be conducted in the presence of immigration officials.

Ahead of the vote, Amnesty International urged lawmakers to reject the legislation, warning that it could also affect people who provide assistance or accommodation to undocumented migrants.

The government has defended the measure as a way to enforce deportation orders against people considered a danger to public order or national security.