Subsidiary protection

When you apply for protection from Belgium, the CGRS (CGRA/CGVS) may decide not to give you refugee status. But the CGRS may give you another protection: "subsidiary protection".

Why? Because you do not meet the criteria of the Geneva Convention but, if you return to your country, you will have serious problems. This may be the case because your country is at war or because you risk the death penalty or being tortured.

If you are granted subsidiary protection status, you receive a residence permit for a period of one year. The municipality may then renew it each time for a period of two years. After five years, the beneficiary of subsidiary protection may receive a residence permit for an unlimited period. This procedure is also handled by the municipality.

The CGRA can withdraw your subsidiary protection if the situation in your country changes (war) and there is no longer any risk.

Ask your social worker or your lawyer for an explanation. You can also find information on the website of the CGRS.