Belgium to ban Syrian fighters from territory: media

Seven suspected jihadists are set to be banned from entering Belgian territory for 10 years, De Morgen reported on Thursday.

The seven people, six men and one woman, will also be banned from entering the EU's free movement, or Schengen, area.

The seven are not Belgian nationals, but are legally allowed to reside in the country.

The move to ban the individuals comes after the Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Theo Franken, rescinded their residence permits.

None of the seven are currently in Belgium, and are presumed currently in Syria.

Francken said that, at present, he can only enforce a 10-year ban, but would like to extend it to a lifetime ban. "I can give up to ten years, but I think that it should be life, and will submit a proposal to this effect to the government. It is their choice to fight with Islamic State and committing atrocities. Such people do not belong at home in our country or in Europe," he told De Morgen.

The suspects risk a prison sentence of between one month and one year, as well as a fine of between 100 euros (112 U.S. dollars) and 1,000 euros if they break the ruling. They are legally permitted to appeal the decision, but during any appeal, they will be detained outside the EU's external borders. Endit