Belgium has moved to revoke the refugee status of Mohammed Khatib, the European coordinator of Samidoun, after an 18‑month security investigation. The government announced the step on August 7, 2025, citing praise for armed groups and ties to proscribed organizations.
Officials say Khatib poses a “security threat.” He denies membership in any group, calls the move political, and plans to appeal. The case lands as the government rolls out its toughest asylum rules in years.
What Belgium decided, and why it matters now
Authorities say Khatib repeatedly praised Palestinian armed groups and led public activity through Samidoun. Belgium and Israel accuse Samidoun of acting as a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which the EU lists as a terrorist group.
- Former State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor said, “There is no place in Belgium for extremists who glorify terrorism.”
- Prime Minister Bart De Wever has also said he intends to pursue a full ban on Samidoun in Belgium.
The decision follows a nearly 18‑month review led by Belgian intelligence services. Officials say it reflects a broader push to act faster against people they view as security risks, including those with refugee status. The government points to public statements and organizing efforts that, in their view, cross a line into support for violence.
How Khatib and Samidoun are responding
Khatib denies being a member of either Hamas or the PFLP but has publicly expressed admiration for them. He calls the revocation “political repression” and plans to appeal.
Samidoun describes the move as “part of a broader attack on the Palestinian population in Belgium” and vows to fight it in court and on the streets.
More than 250 academics signed an open letter warning the step sets a “dangerous precedent” for free speech. They argue that praising a group, even if reckless, is not the same as direct support or operational activity. The court process will test how Belgian authorities weigh speech, security, and refugee protections.
Policy shift shaping the backdrop
A new federal government took office in January 2025, led by the New Flemish Alliance (N‑VA). Leaders say they are building the “strictest migration policy yet.” Key changes since 2024–2025 include:
- Deterrence measures: new checks, including access to phones for identity verification.
- Reception rules: housing only in collective centers, ending emergency and local reception setups.
- Status priorities: favoring subsidiary protection over full refugee status; resettlement paused since March 2025.
- Returns and family ties: faster return decisions and tighter family reunification rules.
- Political oversight: closer political control over asylum decision-making and reforms to the system that appoints migration judges.
A reception crisis continues, with more than 2,500 asylum seekers on waiting lists and ongoing gaps for single men. Civil society groups — including Flemish Refugee Action and Amnesty International — say the new approach harms rights, divides communities, and strains reception.
Academics and legal experts warn that the Khatib case, in this climate, could blur the line between policy and politics in asylum work.
What happens next: revocation and appeal, step by step
Belgium follows a set process when removing refugee status on security grounds:
- Investigation: intelligence services review public and private information to assess risk.
- Recommendation: findings go to the top migration official.
- Decision: the government announces revocation based on national security.
- Notification: the person receives formal notice and appeal rights.
- Appeal: the case may go to the Council for Asylum and Immigration Proceedings for review.
- Judicial check: judges examine law, international duties, and earlier cases.
- Outcome: if the appeal fails, removal is possible, though further legal challenges can follow.
Khatib plans to appeal to the Council for Asylum and Immigration Proceedings. His prior recognition as a refugee under UNRWA and protection under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention may slow or complicate any removal.
If the appeal fails, deportation could be attempted, but his stateless position and international protections mean legal fights may last.
For official policy and contacts, see the Belgian Immigration Office: https://dofi.ibz.be
Who is affected, and how
- Government: Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt are pushing tighter controls and faster removals for people seen as threats.
- Civil society: groups warn of shrinking space for speech and protest, and rising pressure on reception.
- Academics and legal experts: fear a chill on expression and a risk that security labels could steer asylum decisions.
- Palestinian advocacy groups: say Palestinian activism is being targeted and promise legal challenges and public rallies.
A final ruling could shape how Belgium treats activists who speak about armed groups, especially where those groups are proscribed. It may also affect how officials weigh online speech, protests, and organizational roles in future cases linked to Samidoun or the PFLP.
Practical guidance for people at risk
- Get legal help fast. If you receive a revocation notice, contact a lawyer and file an appeal on time.
- Keep records. Save proof of your identity, status history, and any lawful activity that shows peaceful intent.
- Mind public statements. Praising proscribed groups can be used as evidence in security cases.
- Document risk. If returned, show why you face harm — this matters under the 1951 Convention.
- Use support networks. Reach out to trusted NGOs and legal clinics for case help.
Warning: Deadlines for appeals and formal notifications are strict. Seek legal advice immediately if you are affected.
What to watch in the coming months
- Courts will test whether the government applied security rules fairly and whether speech crossed into support for violence.
- Lawmakers are expected to seek more controls through late 2025 and 2026.
- Human rights groups and EU bodies may step in if they believe Belgium breached international duties.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the case is unfolding in real time with legal, political, and human rights questions that reach well beyond one person.
Bottom line
- Announcement date: August 7, 2025
- Reason: alleged praise for armed groups and ties to proscribed organizations through Samidoun
- Quote to know: “There is no place in Belgium for extremists who glorify terrorism.”
- Next step: appeal to the Council for Asylum and Immigration Proceedings
- Wider context: tougher rules since early 2025; reception crisis with 2,500+ people waiting
Belgium’s move against Mohammed Khatib is a test case for the country’s new course on asylum and security. The courts will decide how far the state can go when it says public speech and activism put public safety at risk, and how refugee law and basic rights hold the line.
This Article in a Nutshell
Belgium revoked Mohammed Khatib’s refugee status on August 7, 2025 after an 18-month probe. Authorities cite praise for proscribed armed groups and alleged Samidoun links to the PFLP. Khatib denies membership, calls it political repression, and will appeal. The case tests tougher 2025 asylum rules, speech limits, and refugee protections.
