The Belgian Chamber of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow for a lifetime ban from the country’s territory for individuals convicted of terrorism or radicalization-related offenses.
The legislation, passed in a first reading by the Council of Ministers on November 7, 2025, marks a significant shift from current policy, which only permits temporary bans.
Under the proposed law, individuals deemed a threat would be subject to analysis by the Organization for Coordination and Analysis of the Threat (Ocam) before any decision is made.
Those targeted by the measure must be registered in Belgium’s Terrorism, Extremism, and Radicalization Process (T.E.R.) database to be considered for the ban.
If implemented, the ban would be recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the National General Police Database (BNG), preventing the individual from entering Belgium or any Schengen Area country for life.
The Office of Foreigners could also refuse visa or residency applications from those affected by the ban.
Interior Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt emphasized that the measure aims to close the door permanently on those who radicalize or support terrorism.
She also noted an increase in expulsions of individuals in irregular situations, citing 1,300 expulsions in the first ten months of 2025 compared to 1,035 during the same period in 2024.
The minister stated her intention to expand detention center capacity, hire more personnel for repatriations, and negotiate additional readmission agreements with countries of origin.
The bill represents a hardening of Belgium’s approach to terrorism prevention and border security.
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives has approved legislation permitting a lifetime ban from national territory for individuals convicted of terrorism or radicalization-related activities.
The bill, validated in first reading by the Council of Ministers on November 7, 2025, replaces the current system that only allows temporary exclusions.
Under the proposed law, any decision to impose such a ban would follow an assessment by the Organization for Coordination and Analysis of the Threat (Ocam).
Eligible individuals must be registered in Belgium’s Terrorism, Extremism, and Radicalization Process (T.E.R.) database prior to consideration.
Upon implementation, the ban would be recorded in both the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the National General Police Database (BNG), barring the person from entering Belgium or any Schengen Area country indefinitely.
The Office of Foreigners retains authority to deny visa or residency requests from those subject to the measure.
Interior Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt stated the policy ensures “the door is definitively closed” to those who radicalize or support terrorism.
She additionally reported 1,300 expulsions of individuals in irregular situations during the first ten months of 2025, an increase from 1,035 in the same period of 2024.
The minister outlined plans to expand detention center capacity, increase staffing for repatriation operations, and pursue more favorable readmission agreements with origin countries.
This legislative development signifies a strategic shift toward permanent exclusion in Belgium’s counterterrorism framework.
