Ahead of the vote in Belgian Federal Parliament on Thursday 5 November on whether to allow police raids on people’s homes for migration control purposes, including homes of people who may be hosting undocumented migrants, Dinushika Dissanayake the Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International said:

“These proposals which allow for home raids are bound to sow fear and division. The bill before Belgium’s parliament gives police vast powers to enter people’s homes for migration control purposes, between the hours of 5am and 9pm and irrespective of whether children are present.

“This would not only cause a serious intrusion into people’s private and family life but also the bill fails to provide effective ways to appeal or challenge these decisions.

“Belgium has a strong tradition of showing solidarity towards migrant communities, with many people opening their doors and homes to offer beds, food and support – as is their prerogative.…