New list of safe countries of origin

Belgium approved a new list of safe countries of origin. This may have specific implications for the procedure at the CGRS and for the appeal procedure at the Council for Alien Law Litigation.

A country of origin is considered safe if there is generally and consistently no persecution and if there is no risk of suffering serious harm.

To determine whether a country is safe, the legal situation, the application of the law and the general political situation in the country are taken into account.

Belgium updated this list on 12 May 2024 (published in the Belgian Official Journal on 27 May 2024).

The following countries are currently considered safe countries of origin: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North-Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, India and Moldova. These are the same countries as those listed in the Royal Decree of 7 April 2023, with the exception of Moldova, which was added to the list of safe countries of origin.

This list is reviewed at least once a year and may be updated based on the latest situation in the country.

Citizens of a country mentioned on the list of safe countries of origin are presumed not to need international protection. Therefore, the processing of their applications for international protection may be accelerated. If, after individual assessment, it appears that the applicant presents no or insufficient elements showing a need for international protection, his application will be refused and may be considered "manifestly unfounded".

27 May 2024