Reception of asylum seekers: the federal government takes action!

In response to the sharp increase in the influx of asylum seekers, the government has taken some expeditious decisions in favour of a firm and humane policy.

Over the summer, the Council of Ministers met four times to create and open reception places for asylum seekers while their applications are processed. A task force has been set up, chaired by the office of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration, to closely monitor the situation as regards arrivals and departures, the measures taken and their effects, and the need for any additional measures.

Please see the press release from 14 August (in French)

Press release from 6 August (in French)

The federal government announced that, from Monday, 7 September, it would be making available a building for people waiting outside the Immigration Office, who had been sleeping in the Maximilian Park in Brussels for a number of days.

Furthermore, both the Immigration Office and State Security Service will recruit more staff to assist unaccompanied foreign minors.

The government has also decided to release funds of €30 million as humanitarian aid for the Syrian crisis.

The issue of the initial reception of asylum seekers will be included on the agenda of the next Consultation Committee meeting. Consultations will take place regularly with the Brussels-Capital Region and the municipalities concerned.

At EU level, Belgium has been calling since April for greater solidarity with asylum seekers and between Member States. At the next European Council meeting, Charles Michel will argue in favour of drawing up a European list of safe countries, implementing a mandatory quota system taking into account the efforts undertaken by Member States, increasing security in the countries of origin (through political, diplomatic and if need be military means), and boosting humanitarian aid and development cooperation in the countries concerned.

"I would like to appeal to everyone to stand together and show solidarity not only at European level and in our country, but also at civic level so that, by working together, we can find solutions that are humane but also firm when necessary," said Prime Minister Charles Michel.

PowerPoint presentation during the press conference: PPT_04092015_FR.pdf