It allows them to ask the police to carry out a home check and register foreign nationals from the European Union themselves in their register, said Wednesday the Secretary of State for Asylum, Sammy Mahdi. The text addresses the problem of foreign citizens who reside in Belgium and work there but do not stay there officially. This way they can avoid paying taxes. This is especially the case in border towns. The local authorities will be able to register these people in the register of foreigners and thus subject them to tax in Belgium. The tax authorities will be able to carry out investigations into fraud at home.
“It is important that local authorities know who is staying on their territory. With this decree, we are making better control possible. Everyone who lives in our country must contribute, without exception. Trying to escape their obligations by abusing proximity with a national border is a particularly asocial attitude towards all Belgians who follow the rules and pay their taxes scrupulously. With this decree, we are significantly strengthening the fight against fraud at home”, explained Mr Mahdi.
Persons who do not provide the information requested by the municipality may be ordered to leave the territory by the Foreigners Office. In addition to reporting to the tax authorities, the municipality may also sanction them with an administrative fine.