Asylum seekers are entitled to material assistance during the examination of their asylum application. This assistance consists of receiving and guiding them within a reception structure managed by Fedasil or entrusted to its partners (the Red Cross, public social welfare centres, etc.). Asylum seekers do not receive any financial assistance.

More than 19,000 asylum seekers are being received in Fedasil centres and by Fedasil’s partner organisations. A total of 24,000 places are available.

Asylum seekers come from war-torn countries, mostly Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan but also Somalia. A huge number of Syrians arrive in Belgium via the refugees’ resettlement programme (www.resettlement.be).

Fedasil receives families and single persons. 49% of the people received were members of a family (parents and children), 36% were single men, 6% were single women, and 9% were unaccompanied minors. Unaccompanied minors receive special accommodation and guidance.

Most of the people received are awaiting a decision from the asylum authorities (80% of the residents).

To learn more about asylum statistics and recognition rates, please visit www.cgrs.be.