Belgium's parliament early on Friday approved a controversial law allowing police to enter the homes of suspected undocumented migrants who have ignored orders to leave the country, Reuters reported.

The measure was approved by a majority of lawmakers at around 5am local time (0400 GMT), after a debate that lasted through the night. It is part of a broader push by Prime Minister Bart De Wever's right-leaning coalition to limit migration and increase expulsions of people who have been denied the right to stay in the country.

The searches will be limited to the homes of people who have been denied asylum in Belgium, have ignored orders to leave and are seen to be a threat to public security. Each home search must be agreed to by an investigating judge and can only take place between 5am and 9am, with immigration officials present. The power also extends to homes where the person is staying with relatives, friends or other hosts.

The final text includes safeguards added after pressure from civil society and coalition partner Les Engagés. Investigating judges have seven days, rather than five, to authorise a home visit, repeat requests require new information, and judges may impose conditions where minors are present. An evaluation is planned 18 months after the law enters into force, including an assessment of its impact on minors.

The legislation has drawn opposition from human rights groups, who argue that allowing police to enter private homes for immigration enforcement risks undermining constitutional rights and privacy laws. Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt described the law as "historic". The left-wing opposition parties sought a last-minute postponement of the vote because of the government crisis, but the request was rejected. The liberal opposition party Anders supported the bill, while Vlaams Belang abstained, arguing it had been watered down so much that it would have little practical effect.

Sources: Reuters, via Duke FM; InfoMigrants; Just Security.