Romania surpasses Ukraine as top source of migration to Belgium in 2023
Over 20,000 Romanians arrived in Belgium last year for work, as migration patterns shift amid ongoing geopolitical challenges
Romania has overtaken Ukraine as the leading source of migrants to Belgium in 2023, according to a recent report. More than 20,000 Romanians entered Belgium, mainly seeking employment opportunities, and they accounted for 12 percent of all foreign arrivals. In total, Belgium received 194,887 migrants, which is the second highest annual immigration figure ever recorded for the country.
Although overall migration to Belgium dropped by 17 percent compared to the previous year, numbers remain high, partly due to temporary protection measures for Ukrainians fleeing conflict. Most newcomers preferred to settle in major urban centers such as Brussels and Antwerp, reflecting a continued trend among migrants to seek opportunities and community ties in Belgium’s largest cities.
At the same time, Belgium experienced a significant outflow of residents, with a record 91,781 foreigners leaving the country. Much of this return migration was driven by Ukrainians going back to their homeland, helping to balance the overall rates of migration and return for the year. These trends highlight the ongoing shifts in migration patterns shaped by both economic factors and the wider geopolitical environment in Europe.
