Moroccan Belgians are finding themselves at the center of two major issues: deportation and scrutiny of their property ownership in Morocco. A recent analytical memo by the "MigraPress" center has highlighted the complexities surrounding these issues, which affect not only the individuals concerned but also their families. The memo, released in September 2026, sheds light on the increasing number of deportations of foreigners convicted of crimes and the monitoring of property ownership abroad among beneficiaries of social housing.
According to the memo, Belgium deported 1,239 individuals with no right to residency during the first eight months of 2026, including 233 Moroccans. This number already exceeds the total for 2017, which was 1,112. The center attributes the rise in deportations of Moroccans to cooperation between Rabat and Brussels, but notes that numbers alone do not necessarily indicate higher crime rates among specific nationalities. The distinction between deportation related to residency status and the transfer of convicts to serve their sentences in their home countries is also crucial.
The monitoring of property ownership abroad is another key aspect, particularly in the context of social housing in Flanders. Between June 2021 and the end of 2023, 928 investigations were conducted, resulting in 476 discoveries of properties abroad, or about 51.3% of the investigations. Of these, 368 cases involved potential properties in Morocco. The total cost of these investigations was approximately €1.39 million, or around €2,920 per case where properties were found.
The issue of partial property ownership, such as inherited shares in family real estate, has also been addressed. Previously, owning property abroad could lead to the loss of social housing benefits. However, regulations in Flanders changed as of October 1, 2025, allowing for partial ownership under certain conditions. Each case must now be examined individually to determine if the ownership structure violates the conditions for social housing.
Families with ties to two countries may face particular challenges due to the complexity of inheritance, shared property, and differing documents and procedures. There is a paradox between encouraging migrants to invest and maintain economic ties to their home country, and the impact of certain properties on eligibility for assistance in their country of residence. These issues also raise questions about data protection, the accuracy of information obtained from abroad, and the possibility of appealing decisions and correcting errors.
The impact of deportation extends beyond the individual to their family, potentially causing difficulties with reintegration, housing, employment, and maintaining family ties. The memo calls for a balanced approach that considers both the application of laws and the protection of rights. It emphasizes the need to assess the cost and effectiveness of monitoring, support affected families, and ensure clear conditions and the right to appeal.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in applying laws fairly, distinguishing between proven violations and legitimate family ownership, and avoiding general judgments about the Moroccan community based on numbers. The goal is to ensure that measures aimed at controlling property ownership and deportation are implemented in a way that respects individual rights and prevents unjust outcomes.
Key points
- Moroccan Belgians face increased scrutiny over property ownership in Morocco and deportation due to cooperation between Rabat and Brussels.
- The monitoring of property ownership abroad among social housing beneficiaries in Flanders resulted in 476 discoveries of properties, with 368 cases potentially involving properties in Morocco.
- New regulations in Flanders allow for partial property ownership under certain conditions, requiring individual assessments of each case.
