Belgium added Morocco to its list of safe countries of origin for the first time following a decision by the Chamber of Representatives commission on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the federal parliament, despite unfavorable opinion from the General Commissioner for Refugees and Stateless Persons.
Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt stated that “solid evidence suggests Morocco can be considered a safe country, as the human rights situation there has considerably improved in recent years.” This designation carries significant procedural implications for Moroccan asylum seekers.
Under the new classification, asylum applicants from Morocco will be presumed not to require international protection. Processing of their protection requests can therefore be expedited, according to the General Commissioner for Refugees and Stateless Persons, consistent with procedures applied to countries considered generally respectful of fundamental rights.
Following individual examination, if applicants fail to present sufficient elements demonstrating international protection needs, their applications will be refused and may be deemed manifestly unfounded. This accelerated procedure applies specifically to countries on the safe origin list.
The decision reflects Belgium’s assessment of Morocco’s human rights improvements and democratic governance progress in recent years. Morocco has undertaken significant reforms across multiple sectors including justice system modernization, women’s rights advancement, and civil society development.
Belgium’s move aligns with similar designations by other European Union member states that have evaluated Morocco’s political stability and human rights record. The classification does not prevent individual asylum seekers from presenting compelling personal circumstances warranting protection but establishes a presumption that most applicants lack valid protection grounds.
This administrative change streamlines asylum procedures while maintaining individual case review mechanisms. Morocco joins several other countries on Belgium’s safe origin list, reflecting Brussels’ confidence in the kingdom’s governance standards and human rights protections for its citizens.
