Latest news with #ImmigrationOffice
Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Family reunification for migrants in the spotlight in Belgium
The Brussels Immigration office is an imposing building, spread over twelve floors of a concrete block constructed in the 1960s. It's here where the fate of migrants and their families is decided. And now, one service in particular being offered at the centre is in the political spotlight. Last week, MPs passed a government bill restricting access to family reunification. This scheme allows legally resident foreign nationals to bring in one or more family members. Under the new guidelines, refugees will only have six months to submit their application. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, those who do not have refugee status, will have to wait two years before they can submit their application. The text also requires greater financial resources. The minimum income required to submit an application has been increased. Migrants now need to earn around €2,300 per month, compared with the €2,100 under the previous regulations. This amount is increased by 10% for each additional family member. "If someone wants to bring in their partner and two children, they have to earn €2,700 net per month," explains Thomas Willekens, policy officer for the Brussels-based NGO Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen. This sum "is enormous and I would say that the average employee in Belgium does not even earn this amount," he adds. A virtual impossibility without a name The Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration, Flemish nationalist Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has defended these new measures. The minister who originally put forward the proposal said, "We need to reduce the influx of people. Our society is no longer able to bear this burden." The government wants to reduce the number of migrants arriving through family reunification. According to figures from the Immigration Office, last year 20,724 people from countries outside the European Union obtained visas for Belgium under this scheme. Belgian authorities have also decided to increase the application fee for naturalisation, up from €150 to €1,000. For Thomas Willekens, these new rules are above all a covert way of making family reunification impossible, at the risk of plunging these families into an even more dangerous situation. "The consequences for refugees in Belgium will be prolonged separation from their families, which will have an impact on their integration and inclusion in Belgian society. It's difficult to learn the language if you're worried about your partner in Afghanistan, for example," he explains. "As for refugees and countries of origin, while they used to be able to use this safe and legal route to come to Belgium, they no longer have access to it. They will therefore turn to smugglers to come to Europe." A European trend Belgium is not alone in Europe. Last week, Portugal also adopted more stringent measures for granting family reunification. German MPs approved the suspension of the family reunification scheme last month for people with "subsidiary protection," in other words those who do not have refugee status. While Austria has suspended family reunification for a period of six months. In practical terms, applications can be submitted to the Austrian authorities, but will not be processed.
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Time Business News
Russian Investor Attacked in Bali: Alleged Immigration Link
By Fery Fadly – Bali's senior journalists report for Hey Bali – Today In Bali Bali, Indonesia – July 16, 2025 A Russian national residing legally in Bali was reportedly assaulted and extorted by an armed group in Jimbaran late Wednesday night, triggering serious concerns about the safety of foreign investors in Indonesia. The incident, which allegedly involved impersonators of immigration officials and suspected Ukrainian nationals, has raised questions about data security and law enforcement integrity on the island. According to verified sources, the incident occurred around 11:00 PM local time at the private residence of the victim, identified by the initials RSM (42). RSM, a long-term legal resident and investor in Bali, was attacked by four individuals—two wearing uniforms resembling those of Indonesian immigration officers, and two others masked, believed to be Ukrainian nationals. The victim suffered significant physical injuries during the assault and was reportedly extorted for USD 150,000 (approximately IDR 2.4 billion). RSM later claimed that his personal and sensitive data may have been leaked or sold by elements within Indonesia's immigration system to the criminal syndicate involved. Kombes Pol Ariasandiy SIK The Bali Regional Police, via spokesman Kombes Pol Ariasandiy SIK, confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and a preliminary investigation is underway. Authorities have begun collecting witness statements and relevant evidence. As of this publication, no official response has been issued by the Immigration Office in Bali regarding the alleged involvement of internal personnel. The silence has amplified public calls for transparency and institutional accountability—particularly in light of rising global scrutiny on Indonesia's treatment of foreign nationals. The full version of this investigation — including digital nomad safety advice — is available on Hey Bali, a platform reporting on the realities behind the postcard. This is not the first reported case of violent crime targeting expatriates in Bali. In December 2024, Ukrainian national Igor Iermakov was abducted and extorted for crypto assets valued at IDR 3.2 billion. The case implicated suspects allegedly tied to Russian criminal networks. One of the main perpetrators, Khasan Askhabov, was apprehended at Ngurah Rai International Airport in January 2025 while attempting to flee the country. Together, these cases point to a concerning trend of transnational crimes aimed at expatriate communities—particularly investors and individuals involved in digital finance. The added possibility of collusion with domestic officials deepens the reputational risk for Indonesia's legal and immigration systems. As Indonesia continues to position Bali as a leading destination for global tourism and foreign investment, incidents like these threaten to undermine investor confidence in the rule of law and personal safety on the island. Legal experts and civil society groups are urging a full-scale investigation—not only into the criminal actors involved but also into systemic vulnerabilities within immigration and law enforcement institutions. Foreign embassies are also closely monitoring the case, which may influence diplomatic relations and tourism advisories. This incident serves as a clear warning signal to Indonesian authorities to reevaluate oversight mechanisms, improve institutional transparency, and enforce robust safeguards for all residents—both local and foreign. An internal source close to the victim summarized the gravity of the situation: 'This isn't just about one foreigner being attacked. It's about the integrity of a nation's promise to protect those who live and invest within its borders.' ✍️ Reporting by Fery Fadly ✒️ Written and Edited by Giostanovlatto TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Barnama
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Immigration Denies Travel Ban On Activist, Clarifies Restriction Limited To Sabah Entry
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department today denied imposing any travel restrictions on an individual who claimed he was barred from leaving the country on June 6, as reported by several news portals and circulated on social media. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban clarified that no exit ban had been enforced, but a restriction on entry into Sabah remains in effect pursuant to a directive from the state authorities. 'The department acknowledges the confusion arising from discrepancies between the Malay and English versions of the travel status check system on the department's official website,' he said in a statement today. He clarified that the confusion arose from the department's English-language portal, which is currently being updated and has been temporarily taken offline. 'The department is conducting an internal technical review to ensure the accuracy and consistency of information across all language versions to prevent any confusion,' the statement added. Zakaria emphasised that the department remains committed to discharging its duties under the law, guided by the principles of transparency and professionalism in service delivery. While the statement did not identify the individual, it follows recent claims by activist and freelance graphic designer Fahmi Reza, who questioned the transparency of the department's travel restriction system. Fahmi alleged that a recent travel status check on the Immigration Department's website returned the message 'please refer to the nearest Immigration Office,' which he interpreted as an active travel ban. He further claimed that the English version of the website showed 'no restriction,' while the Malay version advised him to consult the Immigration office.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Immigration denies travel ban on activist, clarifies restriction limited to Sabah entry
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department today denied imposing any travel restrictions on an individual who claimed he was barred from leaving the country on June 6, as reported by several news portals and circulated on social media. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban clarified that no exit ban had been enforced, but a restriction on entry into Sabah remains in effect pursuant to a directive from the state authorities. 'The department acknowledges the confusion arising from discrepancies between the Malay and English versions of the travel status check system on the department's official website,' he said in a statement today. He clarified that the confusion arose from the department's English-language portal, which is currently being updated and has been temporarily taken offline. 'The department is conducting an internal technical review to ensure the accuracy and consistency of information across all language versions to prevent any confusion,' the statement added. Zakaria emphasised that the department remains committed to discharging its duties under the law, guided by the principles of transparency and professionalism in service delivery. While the statement did not identify the individual, it follows recent claims by activist and freelance graphic designer Fahmi Reza, who questioned the transparency of the department's travel restriction system. Fahmi alleged that a recent travel status check on the Immigration Department's website returned the message 'please refer to the nearest Immigration Office,' which he interpreted as an active travel ban. He further claimed that the English version of the website showed 'no restriction,' while the Malay version advised him to consult the Immigration office.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Immigration Denies Travel Ban, Cites Website Confusion
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department today denied imposing any travel restrictions on an individual who claimed he was barred from leaving the country on June 6, as reported by several news portals and circulated on social media. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban clarified that no exit ban had been enforced, but a restriction on entry into Sabah remains in effect pursuant to a directive from the state authorities. 'The department acknowledges the confusion arising from discrepancies between the Malay and English versions of the travel status check system on the department's official website,' he said in a statement today. He clarified that the confusion arose from the department's English-language portal, which is currently being updated and has been temporarily taken offline. 'The department is conducting an internal technical review to ensure the accuracy and consistency of information across all language versions to prevent any confusion,' the statement added. Zakaria emphasised that the department remains committed to discharging its duties under the law, guided by the principles of transparency and professionalism in service delivery. While the statement did not identify the individual, it follows recent claims by activist and freelance graphic designer Fahmi Reza, who questioned the transparency of the department's travel restriction system. Fahmi alleged that a recent travel status check on the Immigration Department's website returned the message 'please refer to the nearest Immigration Office,' which he interpreted as an active travel ban. He further claimed that the English version of the website showed 'no restriction,' while the Malay version advised him to consult the Immigration office.
