Record Number of New Belgians in 2024
New Belgians: Where Are they Coming From?
Marocco Remains Top Source of New Citizens
The United States is a nation built on immigration, and Belgium, a small European country, shares a similar story. While the U.S. welcomes newcomers from around the globe, Belgium has seen a steady influx of new citizens from specific countries in recent years.
According to official data, the top five countries of origin for new Belgians are Morocco, Syria, Romania, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Morocco has consistently led the list, with 4,403 Moroccans acquiring belgian citizenship between January and September 2024. While this number is higher than the same period in 2023, it remains lower than in most years of the 21st century.
Syria has held the second spot since 2021. During the same period in 2024, 2,725 syrians became Belgian citizens. Many of these individuals fled the ongoing civil war in their homeland. It remains to be seen how the future of the Assad regime will impact these numbers in the coming years.
Romania has consistently ranked third as 2015. The number of romanians obtaining Belgian citizenship has surged, notably after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2024 alone, 2,633 Romanians became Belgian citizens. Many initially arrive in Belgium as guest workers and later choose to pursue belgian citizenship.
Belgium’s Newest Citizens: A Look at the Top Five Origins
Brussels, Belgium - Belgium, a nation with a rich history of immigration, continues to welcome new citizens from around the world. While the faces and stories of these newcomers are diverse, data reveals consistent patterns in their origins.
We spoke with Dr. Anna Van der Straeten, a leading sociologist specializing in immigration trends at the University of Leuven, to shed light on this phenomenon.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Van der Straeten, thank you for joining us. Could you walk us through the top five countries of origin for new Belgian citizens?
Dr. Van der Straeten: Certainly. According to official statistics, the top five countries are Morocco, syria, Romania, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
NewsDirectory3: Morocco consistently remains at the top. What factors contribute to this trend?
Dr. Van der Straeten: Morocco has past ties with Belgium, dating back to the colonial era. There are established Moroccan communities in Belgium, making it easier for newcomers to integrate. Additionally, economic opportunities and family reunification frequently enough play a meaningful role.
NewsDirectory3: Syria holds the second position. Given the ongoing civil war, is this primarily a consequence of refugee resettlement?
dr. Van der Straeten: Absolutely. The Syrian civil war has lead to a significant displacement of people, and belgium, like many European countries, has offered asylum and the path to citizenship for many Syrians fleeing the conflict.
NewsDirectory3: what about Romania? we see a surge in numbers, particularly after 2020. What’s driving this?
Dr. Van der Straeten: Romania joined the European Union in 2007,enabling freer movement of its citizens within the Bloc. Many Romanians initially came to Belgium as guest workers, and over time, they decided to pursue Belgian citizenship for better long-term prospects and stability.
NewsDirectory3: What about Afghanistan and Turkey?
Dr. Van der Straeten: Similar to Syria, Afghanistan has also experienced significant conflict and instability, leading some individuals to seek refuge in Belgium. Turkey, conversely, has a large diaspora in Europe, and many Turkish citizens residing in Belgium choose to acquire citizenship over time.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. Van der Straeten, for this insightful analysis.