The repatriation of foreign criminals is one of Mr Francken’s priorities. Last year 1,437 foreign prisoners were repatriated to their countries of origin. Mr Francken expect this number to be exceeded this year.

In May 168 foreign prisoners were repatriated. A further 125 were repatriated in June.

However, Mr Francken recognises that there is still much work to be done. “Let us be clear, there are still far too many, but ok, Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Mr Francken also thanked the Justice Minister Koen Geens (Flemish Christian democrat) for his “excellent cooperation”.