Belgium is exploring all possible options to increase the return of irregular migrants, including the potential construction or leasing of detention facilities in Kosovo and Albania, according to Belgian Minister of Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt.
In an interview with Euronews, Van Bossuyt confirmed that during recent visits to Kosovo and Albania, concrete discussions were held with local authorities about possible arrangements for housing migrants who are in Belgian detention.
“We are exploring every possible solution to improve the return rates. This is one of the options we are examining together with the Ministry of Justice,” Van Bossuyt said.
According to the minister, talks with Albania are primarily focused on providing accommodations for Albanian nationals currently held in Belgian prisons. Regarding Kosovo, she noted that Belgium is evaluating the possibility of housing irregular migrants of various nationalities currently detained in Belgium, regardless of citizenship.
“In Kosovo, we are looking at the possibility of hosting people who are illegally staying in Belgium but are currently in our detention facilities,” Van Bossuyt explained.
The minister further highlighted that the Western Balkans are increasingly viewed as a space for innovative migration solutions, and Belgium remains open to potential future partnerships with other countries in the region.
“We have visited Albania and Kosovo, met with the responsible ministers, and perhaps in the future there will be opportunities or other locations,” she added.
The announcement reflects Belgium’s ongoing efforts to manage migration pressures amid rising numbers of irregular arrivals in the country and across Europe, as well as its interest in outsourcing detention capacity to international partners.
