Belgium passes law to allow police search homes of suspected illegal migrants

Belgium’s parliament has approved a controversial law allowing police to enter the homes of undocumented migrants who have ignored orders to leave the country. 

The measure approved early on Friday is part of a broader push by the government of Prime Minister Bart De Wever to limit migration and increase the removal of those who have been denied the right to stay in the country.

The law was approved by a majority of lawmakers, following a lengthy debate that lasted throughout the night. 

The legislation has drawn strong opposition from human rights groups and lawyers, who argue that allowing police to enter private homes for immigration enforcement risks undermining constitutional rights and privacy laws.

Searches will be limited to the homes of people who have been denied asylum in Belgium, have ignored orders to leave and are seen to be a threat to public security.

Home searches must be agreed to by an investigative judge and can only occur between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., with immigration officials present.

The government has defended the measure as a tool to enforce deportation orders for people who are considered a danger to public order or national security.