Belgium allows police to enter illegal immigrants' homes to arrest them

Belgium has passed a law granting police the authority to enter the residences of certain illegal immigrants to arrest them.

The provision, passed by parliament on Friday, does not apply to all illegal immigrants. It targets only those who have not complied with deportation orders or who are considered a risk to public order or national security.

Before entering a home, police will need permission from an investigating judge, and immigration office staff must also be present. Such searches can only be carried out between 5 am and 9 am.

The government has said the new law is needed to make the process of deporting people who are living illegally and pose a security risk more effective. The proposal had been the subject of intense debate in Belgium for years. Left-wing parties and human rights organizations have strongly criticized it, saying it violates civil liberties and the constitution.