The number of voluntary returns from Belgium has increased by 10% compared to 2022 and approximates the pre-COVID period. 2,952 migrants chose to return to their country in 2023: Fedasil offered them a tailored accompaniment in cooperation with its partners, the IOM and Caritas International.

Three specific profiles can be identified among the people who returned: applicants for international protection (asylum), rejected asylum seekers and migrants without a residence permit in Belgium.

The latter category accounts for 58% of the total number of voluntary returns. The returns of people without a residence permit have been increasing in recent years. Fedasil intends to continue its collaborations with actors in the field to better reach the persons who are not staying in its reception network for asylum seekers. These initiatives make it possible to inform, guide and accompany migrants who are often difficult to reach.

The destination countries have remained virtually unchanged for several years. In 2023, the people who benefited from the Belgian voluntary return programme mostly returned to Brazil, Moldova, Mongolia, El Salvador and Georgia.

All figures can be found in the attached report (in French).

Reintegration in the country of origin

Most people who return receive additional assistance for their reintegration in the country of origin. In 2023, 70% of the migrants received this assistance (versus 73% in 2022). It can be used for different projects: renovate a house, create a micro-business, look for a job, etc.

The IOM and Caritas International, which can draw on a global network of partners, contact their local partners who then help migrants to implement their reintegration project in the country of origin, with the corresponding bonus.

Return projects from Belgium benefit from European support (AMIF fund).