Over the twentieth century, Belgium shifted from a nation of emigration to a destination for growing numbers of newcomers. Wars, economic crises, and European integration shaped this evolution. Key turning points included the reintroduction of passports after 1919, the 1974 recruitment stop, and the advent of Schengen’s open borders, each prompting new rules on admission and conditions for entry. This inventory traces how migration policy and border management adapted to changing realities. It demonstrates how migration moved from an exceptional occurrence to a persistent structural element of Belgian society. Over time, these shifts reshaped national institutions and public debate significantly.The records described in this inventory are held at the National Archives of Belgium (Brussels) (inventory code 510 – I 727).This inventory is the frozen published version dated 31-10-2025. For the newest version, with recent updates and additions, go to our online search platform AGATHA (click on link below under identifiers/URL). In AGATHA you can also place requests for the archival items you want to view in the reading room.