This pact reforms the way Europe manages asylum and migration by introducing new rules on border procedures, the sharing of responsibilities among Member States, solidarity and international cooperation.

For Belgium, this involves, in particular, changes to the asylum procedure, reception arrangements and cooperation between the various bodies responsible for asylum matters. Fedasil is also adapting its operations to the new rules.

The European Pact is based on four main pillars. The EU wishes to improve the management of its external borders, make asylum procedures faster and more efficient, strengthen accountability and solidarity among Member States, and link migration more closely to the international partnerships.

In practical terms, the agreement is intended to ensure clearer procedures, faster decisions in certain cases and better coordination between the relevant departments.

Impact on reception

Several changes have a direct impact on the reception and support provided to applicants for international protection.

The former ‘Dublin’ procedure is thus being replaced by a new system, with faster decisions on which Member State is responsible for processing the application. For applicants from countries where the recognition rate is low (20% or less), an accelerated procedure will be introduced. In these cases, the CGRS must reach a decision within three months.

There are also changes to the appeal procedures before the Immigration Appeals Board: in more cases, an appeal will no longer automatically have suspensive effect.

For unaccompanied minors, the agreement stipulates that they must be assigned a temporary guardian at an early stage of the reception process. The CGRS is now responsible for assessing the age of unaccompanied minors who have applied for asylum. The Guardianship Service remains responsible for determining the age of unaccompanied minors who do not seek protection.

Pilot project in Ariane

For asylum seekers from countries with a low level of protection, Fedasil will introduce a tailored reception programme at the ‘Ariane’ centre, run by the Red Cross in Brussels, from 12 June.

As part of this pilot project, the focus is on providing prompt and tailored support. Applicants will, in particular, have access to legal assistance and receive intensive support regarding voluntary return.

Brochure

Fedasil and the other authorities responsible for asylum matters inform applicants of the new rules, their rights and their obligations. From 12 June, applicants will receive a renewed brochure when they register their application at the Immigration Office in Brussels.

The Fedasil brochure on reception is available in 14 languages at www.fedasilinfo.be. Brochures on the asylum procedure are available on the websites of the Immigration office and the CGRS.