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Accompanied minor
A person under the age of 18 who is accompanied by their parent(s) or legal guardian.
Genital mutilation
Genital mutilation covers all forms of removal or mutilation of the female genitals without any medical need.
Trusted person
Someone you trust and who works with you in their professional capacity (psychologist, teacher, social worker, etc.).
Subsidiary protection
The CGRS grants you subsidiary protection if you are at real risk of serious harm if you return to your country of origin and you cannot count on the protection of that country.
A person who has received subsidiary protection is given a residence permit for a limited period of 1 year. This can then be extended twice for 2 years. You receive permanent residence after 5 years, provided that the CGRS has not revoked your status during this period.
Guardian Service
A public service that organises guardianship for unaccompanied foreign minors.
Durable solution
Special residence procedure. This is a procedure for unaccompanied minors that can be started up alongside other procedures. You look for a solution for your future together with the Immigration Office and your guardian. This can be: family reunification with your parents in a country where they legally reside; return to your country of origin or a country where you can legally reside; residence in Belgium.
Visa
An official authorisation to enter and stay in a country. A visa is issued by the country where the traveller goes to. That way, the country can control who enters the country.
Debt mediation
If you go into debt mediation, a debt mediator (e.g. the CPAS/OCMW) will try to come to an arrangement with your creditors regarding the payment of your debts.
Living wage
Sum of money that is paid monthly by the CPAS/OCMW to people in need, following a social investigation. The sum received depends on the family composition.
Judiciary
All of the courts and tribunals that supervise compliance with the law.
If you have not received a reception place after registering with the Immigration Office, you can register on a waiting list. In the meantime, you are entitled to medical care and legal aid.
Are you a minor and without parents in Belgium? Then the police or the asylum services will notify the Guardian service. This service will look for a guardian for you.
If you arrive in Belgium as an unaccompanied minor, the government will ensure you have a safe environment. The police or the asylum services will take you to a reception centre. Even if you do not apply for asylum, you are entitled to a safe place to live.
Did you come to Belgium as an unaccompanied minor? You are not on your own. Several people are here to help you: a guardian, a lawyer, and the supervisors in the reception centre. They help you make decisions about your future and they provide a safe environment.
