Unlike the European trend, 2024 was marked by an increase in asylum applications in Belgium (39,615 applications, +12% compared to 2023). The increase in arrivals, combined with the backlog in the processing of asylum cases, put additional pressure on the network of Fedasil.

"Never before has our reception network had so many places", explains Pieter Spinnewijn, Director General of Fedasil. "A network that remains saturated despite the creation of places, with an occupancy rate stabilised around 94%. Each day, it is a real challenge to find places for all the families who come to register. Hats off to our staff!”

Here is a first overview of the figures for the year 2024:

• End of 2024, the network had reached 36,205 reception places, representing an increase of 562 places compared to the beginning of the year.
• End of 2024, 3,000 isolated men were on the waiting list for a reception place. The waiting time is around 3-4 months.
• The specific reception capacity for unaccompanied minors has slightly decreased in 2024, given the drop in arrivals and the great need for adult places.
• Our centres have never received so many families and women (more than 20,000 persons)
• Palestine has become the first country of origin of the residents in the network, ahead of Syria. Afghans now only represent 10% of the residents.

More info?

• You will find attached the key figures regarding reception for 2024 (PDF)
• The CGRS has also published its 2024 survey regarding asylum in Belgium