The Council of State has issued a ruling declaring that the decision to deny shelter to single male asylum seekers violates their legal right to reception as stipulated by law.
On Wednesday, the Council of State temporarily suspended an order implemented by the Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor (CD&V). In August, she announced that single male asylum seekers could still apply for asylum but would no longer be guaranteed a place within the Fedasil reception network. Her intention was to prevent families with children from becoming homeless.
Her decision sparked swift criticism, including from members of her own political party. Various organizations appealed against the directive. In its ruling on Wednesday, the court stated, "At this stage of the procedure, the Council of State considers that this decision is not in accordance with the right to reception granted to all asylum seekers by the law of 12 January 2007 on the reception of asylum seekers and specific other categories of foreigners."
De Moor had anticipated the ruling and told Het Nieuwsblad, "I have no illusions. The Council of State will say that everyone has the right to shelter. But just because the Council of State says so, that doesn't mean we suddenly have thousands of extra places."
Meanwhile, De Moor, in collaboration with her government colleagues, continues her efforts to secure additional accommodation. She is working with Brussels to expand homeless shelters that could be utilized by asylum seekers.