According to Reuters reporting on November 6th local time, the Belgian parliament passed a controversial law early that morning, allowing police to search the homes of immigrants who have no legal residency and ignore exit orders.
This measure is one of a series of actions initiated by the right-wing ruling coalition led by Belgian Prime Minister De Veyver. The aim is to restrict immigration and intensify the expulsion of those who have been deprived of their right to stay in Belgium.
It is reported that this legislation has encountered strong opposition from ‘human rights organizations’ and legal groups. They believe that allowing the police to enter private residences in order to enforce immigration regulations could undermine the rights granted by the constitution and relevant laws protecting privacy.
On the evening of November 4th local time, approximately 3,000 people formed a ‘human chain’ outside the Brussels courthouse to protest the bill. According to Belgian media reports, more than 50 protests and rallies were held in towns and cities across the country.
After a night of intense debate, the bill was finally passed by a majority of members at around 5 a.m. local time on November 6.
The search scope is limited to the residences of those who have been refused asylum in Belgium, who ignore the order to leave, and who are considered a threat to public safety.
The search operation must be approved by the pre-trial judge, and can only take place between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. It is also necessary to have immigration officials present.
Before the vote, Amnesty International urged lawmakers to reject the bill, stating that it could also affect those who provide assistance to people without legal residency.
The Belgian government defended this measure, stating that it was a necessary step in enforcing expulsion orders, aimed at those who were considered to pose a threat to public order or national security.
