Belgium sends eviction letter to unwanted residents

In a bold move, Belgium has sent letters to around 2,712 citizens of other EU member states asking them to leave the country for burdening the welfare system. The letters have been issued as the number of unwanted residents made to leave has tripled over the past three years.

Although the notices request that people leave the country, recipients are left with little choice. Each person has their identity card retrieved, preventing them from being able to get a job, or access benefits.

Although EU citizens enjoy the ability to freely move and work throughout member states, the 2004 European directive also states that people cannot “become an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system of the host member state during an initial period of residence”. It is under this directive that Belgium has the ability to show people the door. New residents to member states have up to six months to show they are able financially able to sustain themselves without state assistance.