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Belgium passes law letting police search migrants' homes

Published

Belgian lawmakers approved the law early on Friday after an all-night debate. It covers people denied asylum who ignored orders to leave and who are seen as a threat to public security. Human rights groups and lawyers opposed it.

Home searches can take place only between 5am and 9am, and immigration officials will be present. The government of Prime Minister Bart De Wever leads a right-leaning coalition that pushes for tougher migration measures. The government said the law is a tool to enforce deportation orders for people seen as a danger to public order or national security.

Human rights groups and lawyers said the law risks undermining constitutional rights and privacy laws. Amnesty International urged lawmakers to reject it. It said the law could also affect people who help undocumented migrants.

About 3,000 people formed a human chain around the Palace of Justice in Brussels on Wednesday evening. More than 50 other demonstrations and gatherings took place across Belgium.

Key facts

Who
Bart De Wever (Prime Minister of Belgium, leads right-leaning coalition pushing the migration…); Amnesty International (human rights organisation that urged lawmakers to reject the legislation)
What
Belgian lawmakers passed, early on Friday after an all-night debate, a controversial law permitting police home searches of people denied asylum who have ignored deportation orders and are seen as a threat to public security. Human rights groups and lawyers opposed the measure, and about 3,000 people protested in Brussels.
When
6 November 2026
Where
Belgium, Brussels
Status
Reported

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