A newly report published by Médecins Sans Frontières, Doctors of the World, CIRÉ, BelRefugees, Caritas International, and the Humanitarian Hub highlights the dire state of asylum policy in Belgium.
Refugee Work Flanders and 11.11.11 also criticise the Federal Government’s announcement of cuts, noting Belgium is already failing to meet its reception obligations.
According to the report, Belgium issued 10,191 asylum refusal notices in 2024, an increase of 1,375 compared to 2023. On average, 3,000 people per month went without shelter last year. Additionally, 1,263 asylum seekers were forced to live in homeless shelters, double the number from 2023. The country and Fedasil have faced thousands of legal condemnations over this issue. "The normalisation of non-reception is unacceptable," the report states.
The study reveals that Belgium is not fulfilling its legal obligation to provide asylum seekers with housing, food, healthcare, legal assistance, and integration support during their asylum process. This lack of access leads to isolation, untreated chronic illnesses, depression, and anxiety due to prolonged homelessness.
The organisations urge the government to take immediate action to enforce an asylum and migration policy compliant with the law. They demand swift and high-quality procedures, adherence to judicial rulings, and provision of reception places and waiting lists. Temporary financial assistance should also be provided to those without shelter, as "without an address, they cannot work or exercise social rights."
Refugee Work Flanders and 11.11.11 stress the benefits of a humane reception policy for social stability, communities, and hospitals. "Investing in a dignified reception policy creates stability, safety, and opportunities for everyone," they argue. "This is a choice for humanity and common sense."
