Belgium Visa: Family Reunification Rules Tighten

Belgium has tightened its family reunification visa regulations, introducing stricter conditions for foreign nationals seeking to bring their family members into the country.

Under the revised rules, applicants will now face increased income requirements to demonstrate financial stability before sponsoring family members. The changes also extend the processing period, giving Belgian authorities more time to thoroughly assess applications and verify supporting documents.

The new measures are aimed at ensuring stronger integration of migrants and reducing misuse of the family reunification pathway, according to government officials. However, migrant advocacy groups have raised concerns that the higher financial thresholds could make it difficult for low-income workers and asylum seekers to reunite with their families, potentially leading to prolonged family separations.

Belgium joins a growing number of European countries tightening immigration policies as governments balance labor market needs with rising domestic political pressures over migration.