Prosecutors investigate allegations of registration discrimination in Aalter
Prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible breaches of anti-racism laws in Aalter, East Flanders, following media reports. The allegations suggest that non-Belgians face significantly longer delays than Belgians in registering their residency. Experts warn that such systematic discrimination could be a criminal offence.
According to Pano and De Morgen, non-Belgians face significantly longer registration delays, averaging 136 days compared to just 15 days for Belgian nationals, with some cases exceeding 450 days despite legal limits.
A whistleblower claims that officials often delay foreigners' applications by imposing additional housing inspections, which can take months. A review of 204 cases supports these claims.
These findings also echo complaints against local authorities under mayor Pieter De Crem of CD&V, a former minister and deputy prime minister, accusing them of systematically blocking foreign applicants with bureaucratic hurdles. The Federal Immigration Office found that Aalter had misapplied immigration laws in 51 cases, and 110 formal complaints were lodged.
Flemish minister for Home Affairs Hilde Crevits, of CD&V, has asked Audit Vlaanderen to investigate Aalter's procedures, while opposition leader Mieke Schauvliege of Groen is calling for a disciplinary investigation into De Crem's policies.
The East Flanders public prosecutor's office is conducting a preliminary investigation, which could lead to formal legal action. The case raises wider concerns about the enforcement of migration policies and possible discrimination at the local level.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
Related News
