Accompanied minors and the asylum procedure
You have lodged an application for international protection (asylum application) in Belgium and you have brought your children with you. Belgium takes your children into consideration.
On this page you find information about the accompanied minor. This is a minor (younger than 18) who stays in Belgium together with their parent(s) or a (legal) representative.
One decision for you and your children
Generally a child follows the same asylum procedure as its parents. The decision the CGRS (CGRA/CGVS) takes, applies to you as well to you family members: your wife or husband, and also your children.
Do not bring your children to the interview with the CGRS
Have you received an invitation for the interview at the CGRS? Do not bring your children with you. During the interview you have to concentrate yourself and answer many questions. The interview takes several hours.
- Make sure you children can stay at school
- Ask family, friends or acquaintances to look after your children
- If you do bring you children to the interview, one parent will have to stay in the waiting room while the other parents is being interviewed.
Hearing of the child
The CGRS can invite your child. Your child can asked to be heard as well.
This is a conversation with you child, this is not an interview. The CGRS has no intention to check your story by hearing your child.
Asylum application by an accompanied minor
A child can also apply for international protection. In that case, the CGRS takes into account the own reasons of the child to make a decision.