Resettlement of refugees in Belgium
Some refugees arrive in Belgium through resettlement.
These people come from outside Europe and are identified by UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. After being screened by Belgium, the selected persons are granted a protection status in Belgium and can settle permanently in the country.
Who can be resettled in Belgium?
Belgium first chooses the number of people and from which countries it wants to resettle. UNHCR will then identify the most vulnerable refugees on the spot.
The CGRS and Fedasil meet the refugees in the countries where they are currently located. The CGRS analyses their request for international protection. Fedasil carries out the medical screening, prepares the refugees for their durable stay in Belgium, and organizes their journey and reception in Belgium.
Since 2013, the majority of refugees resettled in Belgium were Syrians who lived in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. African refugees from the Great Lakes region (Congo, Burundi, Uganda) and the Central Mediterranean route (Libya) have also received protection.