No, Belgium is not “overwhelmed” by migrants: here is what the figures really say

And in Wallonia? – No, belgium not "overwhelmed" migrants:

In Wallonia, the situation is quite different. Consequently, The map. Furthermore, available below, established by the IWEPS on January 1, 2025, makes it possible to view the share of non-Belgians in each Walloon commune. Nevertheless, And what we see is that the share of foreigners remains largely below that of Brussels. Similarly, and even the national average.

Only a few large cities (Liège, Charleroi, Namur) exceed 15 % of foreign population. Furthermore, In the majority of Walloon municipalities, the share of foreign residents is more around 5 to 10 %. Nevertheless, We are therefore very far from the story of an “invaded” territory.

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Figures that are explained

Another element to. keep in mind: no, belgium not “overwhelmed” migrants: the figures vary strongly depending on the geography. Municipalities close to the borders often display a larger share of non-Belgian residents. especially in the East (Eupen), in the South (Arlon), or to the west (Mouscron). It is not surprising: these areas attract Germans. French or Luxembourg who cross the border to live in Belgium, often for economic or housing reasons.

And be careful not to confuse everything: being of foreign nationality does not necessarily mean being a newcomer. Some of these residents have been there for years, sometimes even for several generations. Discover the share of non-Belgians in your town below.

And the Brussels residents and Flemings who settle in Wallonia?

But it’s not just international immigration. For years, Wallonia has also attracted … other Belgians. Each year, no, belgium not “overwhelmed” migrants: thousands of Brussels residents and Flemings come to settle there. In 2023 alone, Wallonia welcomed 5,000 more people from the capital, according to IWEPS data.

This is called “peri -urbanization”: faced with the increase in rents. urban density, many Brussels households choose to leave the city to gain space, calm and quality of life. This phenomenon particularly affects Walloon Brabant. but also the municipalities located on the main axes of the train or road to Brussels.

The map at the end of the article clearly shows this: it lists the number of inhabitants from a Flemish. Brussels commune who settled in each Walloon commune in 2024. And it is not negligible: these movements weigh much more in statistics than certain arrivals from abroad.