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Protection officer
The staff member of the CGRS who questions you during the interview and who handles your case.
Forced return
If a foreign national does not comply with an order to leave the territory, he or she may be forcibly removed. In order to perform the repatriation, the foreign national may be transferred to a detention centre or residential unit.
Voluntary return
Applicants for international protection and persons without legal residence can return voluntarily to their country of origin at any time. Fedasil is the Agency which helps them: they receive a flight ticket and the necessary support during the trip.
Residence status
The residence status determines the conditions under which a person may reside in Belgium. It can be temporary or permanent.
All residence statuses are subject to rights and restrictions. Among other things, the status determines whether you can work here; whether you can travel to another country; whether you can bring family members.
People smuggler
Someone who illegally brings people across borders for a high fee. They usually provide transport, food, shelter, and (forged) documents. People smugglers demand a lot of money for this. Some people smugglers abandon their customers.
Registered letter
A letter where the sender receives a proof of sending from the post office. A letter is usually sent by registered mail if it is an important letter.
Domestic violence
Violence committed in the domestic or family circle. The violence does not necessarily happen at home.
Collection calendar
The collection calendar of the municipality shows when your waste will be collected. For example: on Monday: paper and cardboard, on Wednesday: PMD.
Fine
A fine is a sum of money that you need to pay if you have committed an offence. For example: a fine for speeding while driving.
Electronic foreign national card
If you are not a Belgian national and you have the right to reside in Belgium, you will receive an electronic identity card for foreign nationals.
Certain asylum seekers are not considered refugees but receive "subsidiary protection".
As an unaccompanied minor, you usually live together with other young people in a small group or in a reception centre. But perhaps you can live with a family or acquaintance who is already living in Belgium, or with a Belgian family. That is called reception in a foster family.
Are you recognised as a refugee and older than 16? Then you can ask to live alone.
Asylum seekers can work in Belgium 4 months after they have submitted their application. Recognised refugees are allowed to work, just like Belgians.
Do you have a foreign diploma? NARIC Flanders recognises foreign diplomas for people wishing to work or study in Flanders.
To drive a car, you must have a valid Belgian or international driving licence. If you have already obtained a driving licence in your country of origin, you can use this licence to apply for a Belgian driving licence. If you don't have a driving licence yet, you have to take a driving test.
After you have been recognised as a refugee, you have 2 months to find your own home. After that time, you must leave the reception centre or the house of the CPAS/OCMW.
As a recognised refugee, in addition to your own home, you also need to provide for your own livelihood: food, heating, electricity, water, etc. Make sure that your monthly rent is not too high, so that you still have enough to live on.
Do you have no right to reception and are you looking for a place to sleep in a safe environment? Various organisations in Belgium offer help and shelter to people in need.