BRUSSELS, Nov 7: Belgium on Friday approved a law allowing police to detain undocumented migrants in their homes in certain instances, despite fierce criticism from left-wing parties and human rights groups.
The plans have been the subject of heated debate in Belgium for many years.
The law will allow police, accompanied by immigration office staff, to enter the home of an individual who has been barred from remaining in Belgium, or another residence where the person is living, in order to make an arrest.
The individuals targeted will be those who are "subject to a removal order" or "liable to pose a threat to public order and national security".
An investigating judge must give the order before police enter any home.
The law also says police can, if needed, ask for a locksmith's help.
Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said the law was "historic".
"If an individual represents a danger to our society, our services must be able to intervene," she said in a statement, rejecting any suggestion of a "witch hunt against undocumented migrants".
Human rights organisations have strongly opposed the law, arguing that it violates civil liberties and Belgium's constitution.
"The law wrongly equates being undocumented with criminality," Amnesty International Belgium said.
The plans have been the subject of heated debate in Belgium for many years.
The law will allow police, accompanied by immigration office staff, to enter the home of an individual who has been barred from remaining in Belgium, or another residence where the person is living, in order to make an arrest.
The individuals targeted will be those who are "subject to a removal order" or "liable to pose a threat to public order and national security".
An investigating judge must give the order before police enter any home.
The law also says police can, if needed, ask for a locksmith's help.
Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said the law was "historic".
"If an individual represents a danger to our society, our services must be able to intervene," she said in a statement, rejecting any suggestion of a "witch hunt against undocumented migrants".
Human rights organisations have strongly opposed the law, arguing that it violates civil liberties and Belgium's constitution.
"The law wrongly equates being undocumented with criminality," Amnesty International Belgium said.
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