Belgium Home Entry Bill Faces Opposition

Around 50 mental health organizations in Brussels are calling on Belgium’s federal government to withdraw a controversial bill that would allow authorities to enter private homes to arrest undocumented migrants facing deportation.

In an open letter published on Tuesday, the Brussels Mental Health Association said mental health professionals should not be involved in these operations. The groups argue that taking part could violate their professional ethics and damage the trust between children, families, and mental health workers.

The Belgian federal parliament is expected to debate and vote on the bill on November 5, 2026.

What Would the Bill Allow?

The proposed law would allow Belgium’s Immigration Office to ask an investigating judge for permission to enter a private home with police officers.

The measure would target people without legal residency who have received a deportation order but have refused to leave, provided they are considered a threat to national security or public order.

The bill has already been revised several times, including changes addressing situations where children are present during a home entry.

Under the proposal, an investigating judge could arrange what is described as “multidisciplinary support” when children are involved. This could include a mental health professional being present during the operation or providing support afterward.

However, the Brussels Mental Health Association says this role could put professionals in a difficult position, forcing them to take part in an operation that may cause emotional harm to the very children they are supposed to help.

Mental Health Groups Warn of Long-Term Harm to Children

The organizations say a police operation inside a family home can seriously affect a child’s sense of safety and stability.

They argue that children depend on close family relationships and a secure home environment to develop trust in adults and feel emotionally safe.

According to the groups, witnessing a parent or another family member being taken away could leave children feeling frightened, confused, and uncertain about their future. They also warn that the effects could last long after the operation ends.

The association questioned how psychologists and other mental health professionals could protect a child’s well-being while participating in a process that could cause psychological trauma.

It also warned that involving care professionals in such operations could weaken public trust in mental health services and make children and families less willing to seek help.

Concerns About Professional Ethics

The organizations argue that mental health professionals must remain focused on care, protecting vulnerable people, and respecting privacy.

They fear that requiring professionals to support these operations could blur the line between helping children and assisting authorities in enforcing deportation orders.

The association also warned that using mental health services in this way could raise concerns about discrimination and the protection of democratic values.

The groups ended their open letter with a clear message: they oppose the proposed law and want it withdrawn.