Belgium to regularize undocumented migrants

MANILA, Philippines—Belgium is set to regularize the stay of undocumented migrants, including an estimated 2,500 Filipinos, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Friday.

The new policy, which Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy (Flemish Christian Democrat) announced in a press conference Sunday, will cover undocumented migrants who have lived in Belgium for at least five years and those for at least two years.

Those who have lived in Belgium for at least five years and had filed their initial applications for regularization on or before March 18, 2009 must re-submit their applications with the Office for Foreigners of the Ministry of Interior between September 15, 2009 and December 15, 2009.

“Applications shall then be assessed by the Secretary of State for Asylum and Immigration vis-à-vis the implementing guidelines on regularization. If approved, the undocumented migrant will be granted with the necessary papers that will allow them to stay in Belgium legally,” the DFA said.

On the other hand, those who have been working in Belgium for at least two and a half years can apply for a residence permit. They are required to submit a labor contract and a regional labor card.

“Applicants for both categories must prove that they are well-integrated into the Belgian community for their applications to be successful. Other factors, among others, that can count in the applicants’ favor include knowledge of the local language, employment status, families with children at school, earlier credible attempts to obtain a legal residence in Belgium, and sustainable social local ties,” the DFA said.

Philippine Ambassador to Brussels Christina Ortega, who reported the new policy to the DFA, said the Belgian government has still not decided about the number of undocumented migrants would benefit from the new policy. But she expressed hope that Filipinos in such a situation will avail themselves of the opportunity.

“I am glad about this development. The Belgian government is consistent with its policy on migration that promotes family reunification. With the approval of regularization in Belgium and subject to the conditions set in the agreement, undocumented Filipinos now have the opportunity to avail of the program instead of being subjected to deportation procedures as prescribed in the EU Return Directive,” she said.

According to Philippine government estimates as of December 2007, of the 10,000 Filipinos in Belgium, some 2,500 are undocumented, 4,000 are permanent residents, and the rest are temporary residents. –Veronica Uy, INQUIRER.net