Those convicted of serious crimes in Belgium will be stripped of their citizenship.

Those convicted of serious crimes in Belgium will be stripped of their citizenship.

30.01.2026 16:36

The Belgian Federal Parliament has approved a bill that allows for the revocation of citizenship for individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and organized crime. With the new regulation, courts will implement this measure, particularly for individuals with dual citizenship.

The Belgian Federal Parliament has approved a bill that allows for the revocation of citizenship for individuals convicted of serious crimes.

ESPECIALLY AFFECTING THOSE WITH DUAL CITIZENSHIP

According to reports in the national press, with the new regulation, courts will be obliged to consider the option of revoking citizenship in cases of conviction for serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and organized crime, particularly for individuals with dual citizenship. If judges do not make a decision in this regard, they will be required to write a reasoned decision.

Those convicted of serious crimes in Belgium may have their citizenship revoked

PREVIOUSLY APPLICABLE ONLY IN LIMITED AREAS

The authority to revoke citizenship, which was previously applicable only in limited areas such as terrorism, human trafficking, and crimes against state security, has been expanded with the new law. With the bill coming into effect today, how the implementation will take shape will be clarified by judicial decisions.

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