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Net salary
The amount of salary received in your account after taxes have been deducted
Material assistance
Providing help by giving things other than money: food, shelter, clothing, etc. This is the help that Fedasil offers to applicants for international protection when their application is being examined.
Pro-bono lawyer
A lawyer whom you do not have to pay. You can get a pro-bono lawyer under certain conditions. Applicants for international protection are entitled to a pro-bono lawyer for their asylum procedure.
CALL / CCE / RVV
Council for Alien Law Litigation. The CALL is the independent administrative court where you can appeal against a decision of the Immigration Office and the CGRS.
Constitution
The Belgian Constitution is the law that contains the basic principles of the Belgian State. It contains all fundamental rights.
CPAS / OCMW
Public Centre for Social Welfare. In certain conditions, a CPAS/OCMW provides social services to people in need. Every municipality or city in Belgium has its own CPAS/OCMW with different services.
Fedasil
The Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers. The Belgian government body responsible for the reception and support of asylum seekers. This takes place in open reception centres or houses. Fedasil is also responsible for voluntary returns.
Admissibility phase
The first stage in determining whether an application meets certain formal requirements. If the application is admissible, the substance of the application will be examined (on its merits).
Asylum procedure
Procedure concerning an application for international protection. All the steps you go through to obtain international protection: filling in forms, interview(s), waiting for an answer.
Appeal
'To appeal' means that someone objects to a decision, for example of the asylum services (CGRS or Immigration office). Many asylum seekers do this when they are told that they cannot stay in Belgium.
The Immigration Office sends your case to the CGRS (CGRA/CGVS). The CGRS then invites you for a personal interview.
During the personal interview you will explain why you left your country of origin and why you cannot or do not want to return.
After your interview, the CGRS (CGRA/CGVS) will check the information and documents you have given. The CGRS will then take a decision on your application for protection.
In Belgium, it is very important to arrive on time. Belgians also expect you to wait your turn, if you have to wait.
The CGRS (CGVS/CGRA) can end your subsidiary protection. This can be done by cancelling or revoking your status.
You may decide to stop the application procedure for international protection.
If you have obtained a diploma abroad and you want to work in Wallonia or Brussels, you can have your diploma recognised. How? You have to request the 'equivalence' of your diploma from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.