PRACTICAL GUIDE and INFORMATION for MIGRANTS Know Your Rights in Order to Assert Them POCKET VERSION
PRACTICAL GUIDE AND INFORMATION FOR MIGRANTS Know your rights in order to assert them POCKET VERSION
A practical tool proposed by The Human Rights League The practical guide and information PRACTICAL for migrants (Pocket Version) was made possible thanks to the support of the province of Walloon Brabant, GUIDE AND the Impulse Fund for immigrants (FIPI) and the Federation Wallonia-Brussels. INFORMATION The guide was written by Alizée Dauchy, Robin Bronlet, FOR Claire-Marie Lievens and Aude Meulemeester. MIGRANTS We would like to thank Alicia Cristo and Manon Poncelet for the layout. Know your rights in order to assert them POCKET VERSION
Legal notice: Responsible publisher : Alexis Deswaef Rue du Boulet, 22. 1000 Bruxelles – 2016 A practical tool proposed by The Human Rights League TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations list 4
Overview: What is in this guide? How do you use it? 5
Directory of Belgian Migration Sector 6
Main procedures for stay 11
Social and administrative aid 15
HEALTH CARE 17
HOUSING 29
FAMILY 37
MENA - Unaccompanied Minor foreigners 47
EDUCATION 53
TRAINING 59
EMPLOYMENT 67
RELATIONSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT 73
DETENTION CENTRES 75
Map of Belgium 78 ABBREVIATIONS LIST INTRODUCTION
WHY WAS THIS GUIDE CREATED? WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Through its work with field organisa- This guide lists the contact details of in- AMO Youth Centre Service tions and its own department for reori- stitutions, organisations and administra- EMA Emergency Medical Aid entation of individual applications, the tions that can be useful to a migrant’s sit- CBAR/ BCHV Belgian Refugee Council Human Rights League (LDH) has no- uation in everyday life in Belgium. These ticed a series of needs in the migration include rights of stay, access to health CCE/RVV Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL) sector. The most important of those care, training, education, housing, etc. CE/RVS Council of State (CS) needs being the one of migrants being WARNING! This guide has no CGRA/CGVS Office of the Commissioner General for Refugee and Stateless Persons able to access information regarding force of law and does not claim (CGRS) their rights. to be exhaustive. It simply contains ba- CPAS/OCMW Public Welfare Centre HOW TO GET A COPY? sic information which, in most cases, ESP Social Promotion Education should be complemented by profes- FEDASIL Federal Agency for the reception of asylum seekers This guide is available on our website sionals from this field. www.liguedh.be under the heading VIP Volontary Interruption of Pregnancy This guide is complementary to the DOCUMENTATION, as a downloadable information tools produced by our LDH The (Belgian) League of Human Rights and printable version. partner organisations specialising in MENA Unaccompanied Minor Migrant Additionally, we can also send it by matters relating to migrants’ rights and OE/IBZ Immigration Office mail. To do so, simply contact us on this which can be found in the Directory of
ONE/ KIND Birth and Childood Office phone number: Belgian Migration Sector P.6 AND GEZIN ●● T : 02 209 62 80 YOU CAN HELP US TOO ONEm/RVA Employment Office A phone number is no longer valid? An organisation has changed its sched- BRU Brussels ules or conditions of consultation? You W Wallonia have discovered an effective aid service
F Flanders which is not listed in this guide?
Undocumented persons In order to help us keeping this guide up-to-date send us your comments, Warning suggestions or necessary information to the following address:
The League of Human Rights (LDH) ○○ Rue du Boulet 22 1000 Brussels. Belgium ●● T : 02 209 62 80 ●● F : 02 209 63 80 ●● Email : [email protected] ●● Website : www.liguedh.be
4 5 DIRECTORY OF BELGIAN MIGRATION SECTOR DIRECTORY OF BELGIAN MIGRATION SECTOR
BRU BRU
In French and Dutch In Dutch
Myria (Federal CBAR/BCHV Vluchtelingenwerk Agentschap Brussels regional CAW Migration Center) (Belgian Refugee (Refugee Council) Integratie branch (and Flemish (Centre for Council) en Inburgering outskirts Mechelen Social Work) ○ Rue Royale 138 Hotlines in FR and NL: ○ Kruidtuinstraat 75 ○ ○ (Agency for and Leuven) (In- 1000 Brussels On Mondays from ○ Rue Defacqz 1 1210 Brussels These are general ○ Integration and house legal aid) ● T: 02 212 30 00 9:30-12:30 and 1000 Brussels ● T: 02 225 44 00 social services that ● ● Reception) ●● T: 0800 14 912 Tuesdays, Wednesdays ●● T: 02 537 82 20 ●● www. ○○ Mommaertsstraat 22 provide their services ●● [email protected] and Fridays from ●● [email protected] vluchtelingenwerk. Since 2015, the Flemish 1080 Brussels in Dutch, including ●● www.myria.be 13:30-17:00 ●● www.cbar-bchv.be be Agency for Integration ●● T: 02 414 04 53 reception, information has been incorporating and possible support For asylum seekers Open from: Open from most of the support for any steps on pro- only Monday to Friday Monday to Friday from services for migrants cedures relating to from 09:00-12:30 and 9:00-13:00 and available in Flanders. migrants’ rights. They from 13:00-17:00. from 14:00-17:00. In French It organises the are located all over Coordination of “Inburgering” Brussels and Flanders. organisations that are (= reception procedure CIRÉ ADDE BAPO Caritas To find your nearest active in the field of of the newly arrived, (Coordination (Association for (Brussels Housing International service: refugee, migrant and see P.61) and Initiatives for foreigners’ rights) Open Doors) Rescue Brussels asylum seeker aid. but equally, all the ● T: 078 150 300 Refugees and ● ○ Rue du Boulet 22 ○ Rue de Tabora 6 ○ Rue de la Charité 43 general integration Migrants) ○ ○ ○ Legal Helpdesk of Brussels’ City 1000 Brussels 1000 Brussels 1210 Brussels services such as Dutch Vluchtelingenwerk Centre (1000): ○ Rue du Vivier 80-82 ● T: 02 227 42 42 ● T: 02 511 81 78 ● T: 02 229 36 11 courses, social and ○ ● ● ● ● T: 02 227 02 00 1050 Brussels ● www.adde.be ● www.caritas-int.be ● T: 02 205 00 55 legal support for ● ● Open on Mondays, ● ● ● T: 02 629 77 10 ● asiel@ migrants, housing... Anderlecht (1070): ● Legal aid drop-in Tuesdays and Open daily from ● ● www.cire.be vluchtelingenwerk. ● T: 02 521 29 22 ● sessions: Thursdays from 8:00-17:00 Legal aid service ● be Hotline from Monday 10:00-18:00. (people attending from the Agency for Etterbeek (1040): - Information on to Friday from for the first time must Mondays and Integration ● T: 02 629 23 45 residence permits Hotline on ● 9:00-12:30 and arrive at 8:00). Thursdays from and Reception On Mondays from Wednesdays Brussels North (1000): 13:30-16:30. 9:00-12:30, (Flemish 9:00-12:00 and and Fridays from L’Olivier ● T: 02 205 66 00 Wednesdays from government). ● Open from Monday Wednesdays from 10:00-13:00. (Saint-Vincent de 13:30-17:00. ● www. Molenbeek (1080): to Friday from 14:00-17:00. Paul Society in ● SESO vreemdelingenrecht. ● T: 02 414 24 23 9:00-12.30. Brussels Area) Vluchtelingenwerk ● - International family law: (Social Services of be ● www.caw.be/ Startpunt ● CIRÉ coordinates On Mondays and Socialist Solidarity) ○ Rue de la Rosée 9 zoek-je-hulp ○ Head Office organisations that are Thursdays from 1070 Brussels ○ Chaussée ○ Rue de Parme 28 ○ active in supporting 14:00-17:00. ○ ● T: 02 223 29 97 d’Anvers 34 ● T: 02 205 00 55 1060 Brussels ● ● migrants in Brussels ● T: 02 223 12 43 1000 Brussels ● www. Social care on-site: ● T: 02 533 39 84 ● ● and Wallonia. ● ● ssvp.olivier@ kruispuntmi.be/ On Tuesdays and ● Open from Open on Wednesdays tiscali.be juridische-helpdesk CIRÉ’s main reception Thursdays from Monday to Friday and Fridays from service provides 9:00-11:00. SIREAS from 12:00-14:00, Open from: 9:00-11:00. information and refers (Service for Tuesday and Monday to Fridayfrom CSP people to organisations Drop-in for people International Wednesday until 17:00. 9:00-12:30 and (Protestant that best suit their needs. originating from Latin Research, Wednesdays from Social Centre) Service point for America: Education and 13:30-17:00. asylum seekers arriving ○ Rue Cans 12 On Tuesdays and Social Action) ○ in Belgium for the first 1050 Brussels Thursdays from ○ Rue de la Croix, 22 time. Near the North ● T: 02 512 80 80 9:00-11:00. ○ ● 1050 Brussels Station (Gare du Nord). ●● T: 02 500 10 11 ●● T: 02 649 99 58 ●● www.csp-psc.be ●● [email protected] Open on Tuesdays, ●● www.sireas.be Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00-13:00 The employees of those Organisations are subject to professional secrecy. and Mondays and Wednesdays from Even if you’re undocumented, all the informations you’ll transmit 13:00-17:00. will be confidential. 6 7 DIRECTORY OF BELGIAN MIGRATION SECTOR DIRECTORY OF BELGIAN MIGRATION SECTOR
F W
Regional Integra- Cap Migrants CAI SESO ODICÉ Migrants CAW CAW tion Centres (RICs): (Centre for (Social Service of Oost-West Rights Service Antwerpen West-Vlaanderen ○ Rue de Fétinne 98 ○ Intercultural Socialist Solidarity) Vlaamderem (Vreemdelingen- Transit house There are 8 RICs in 4020 Liège ○ Lange Action) – Namur permanentie) ○ the territory of the ● T: 04 222 36 16 ○ Rue de ○ Dok Noord 4 D001 Stuivenbergstraat ○ Oude Houtlei 124 ● ○ ○ ○ Walloon Region. They ○ Rue Dr Haibe 2 Marchienne 47 9000 Gent (Migration Info Point, 54-56 9000 Gent Open on Mondays, ○ organise the integration 5002 Saint-Servais 6000 Charleroi ● T: 09 267 66 45 Antwerp Bar, Legal 2060 Antwerpen ● T: 078 150 300 Tuesdays, Wednesdays ● ● process but also offer ● T: 081 71 35 18 ● T: 071 317 250 ● T: 09 267 66 46 Aid Committee, Legal ● T: 03 235 34 05 ● onthaal.Ghent@ and Fridays from ● ● ● ● ● services that cater to all ● T: 09 267 66 47 Aid Office) ● adviescentrum. cawoostvlaan 9:00-12:30, Open on Mondays, Reception ● ● people of foreign origin. ● rechtspositie@ migratie@ deren.be and over the phone Wednesdays, and promotion of ● ○ Lamorinièrestraat They offer hotlines odice.be ○ cawantwerpen.be from 14:00-16:45. Thursdays and Fridays Immigrants 137 Open from for social and legal mat- from 9:30-12:00. Open from 2018 Antwerpen Open from Monday to Friday ters, a socio-profession- For a first visit, come on: ○○ Rue Léon Bernus 35 Monday to Friday from ●● T: 03 270 33 03 Monday to Friday from from 9:00-13:00. al counselling service Wednesdays from SAE 6000 Charleroi 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00, Tuesdays and cultural activities. 9:30-12:00. (Foreigners ● T: 071 31 33 70 Contactable on-site SESO ● from 13:00-16:00. and Thursdays from Check with your Support Service) and over the phone on (Social Service Point d’Appui Social care from 9:30-12:00. nearest RIC to find out – Nouveau ODICÉ Tuesdays and Gent of Socialist 9:00-11:30. how it can help you. ○ Rue Maghin 33 Saint-Servais Limburg, Campines Thursdays from Service of Civil Solidarity) ○ 4000 Liège APD – Mons and Hageland 13:00-15:00. Affairs – Migration See the Main ○ Rue de Gembloux ○ Schaverdijnstraat 1 ● T: 04 227 69 51 ○ (Aid to displaced Info Point ○ Procedures for Stay ● 500/15 ○ Universiteitslaan 1 Info Point 9000 Ghent ● pointdappui@ people) ○ sheet P.11 ● 5002 Saint-Servais 3500 Hasselt about Residence ○ Woodrow ● T: 09 239 99 80 proximus.be ○ ● ● T: 081 73 34 48 ○ Rue Belneux 4 ● T: 011 23 77 99 and Rights Wilsonplein 1 ● T: 0471 26 18 44 APD - Huy ● ○ ● ● By appointment only. 7000 Mons ● juridesk.lim@ (Infopunt Verblijf en 9000 Gent (Aid to displaced Open on Tuesdays ● Regional branches: It is possible to leave a ● T: 0478 02 19 90 integratie Rechtspositie) ● Main number: people) from 9:00-12:00. ● ● voicemail message. -inburgering.be T: 09 266 71 40 Aalst Open on Mondays ● T: 03 270 33 03 ○ Rue du Marché 33 APD - Namur ● ● Translations: ○ Majoor Charles ○ Legal Aid Office and Wednesdays from Walk-in service from: ● verblijfenrecht ● ○ 4500 Huy (Aid to displaced ● T: 09 266 54 78 Claserstraat 10 (BAJ) 09:30-12:00. Monday to Thursday spositie@stad. ● T: 085 21 34 81 people) ● infopuntmigratie@ 9300 Aalst ● from 9:00-12:00. antwerpen.be ● ○ Rue du Palais 66 CINL (Namur stad.Ghent ● T: 0491 152 818 Open on Fridays ○ ○ CINEX (1st floor) ● 4000 Liège ○ - Luxembourg By email or phone from 9:00-12:00. Rue Saint Nicolas 84 Open on: Roeselare ● T: 04 222 10 12 Immigrants Centre) from 9:00-17:00. ● 5000 Namur Mondays, Tuesdays, ○ Langemarkstraat 8, APD – Liège - Arlon In order to be received ○ Opening hours of ● T: 081 83 39 51 Wednesdays 8800 Roeselare (Aid to displaced ● in person, see the “Rights of the Poor ● T: 0492 73 79 75 ○ Espace Didier 42 and Fridays from ● T: 051 35 95 16 people) ● ○ Vreemdelingenper- ● and the Migrants” 6700 Arlon 9:00-12:30. ● T: 0470 999 036 Open on manentie above. ● ○ Rue Jean collective: residence ● T: 063 43 00 30 On Wednesdays also ○ Wednesdays from ● d’Outremeuse 93 rights, social support ● [email protected] from 14:00-16:00. 9:00-12:30 and ● 4020 Liège and housing, every Thursdays from CINL (Namur - ● T: 04 342 14 44 Monday, Wednesday ● 14:30-16:30. Luxembourg and Friday from Open on: Immigrants Centre) 14:00-16:00. APD – Braine-le- Mondays, Wednes- - Libramont Comte (Aid to days, Thursdays Le Monde des displaced people) ○ Rue du Vicinal 7 and Fridays from Possibles ○ 6800 Libramont 9:00-12:00. ○ Reception house ○ Rue des Champs 97 ○ ● T: 061 29 25 18 ○ Dominique Pire ● SIREAS 4020 Liège ● [email protected] Rue Père Damien 14 ● (Foreign Social ● T: 04 232 02 92 ● 7090 Braine-le-Comte CINL (Namur Service) ●● T: 0497 53 38 85 ●● T: 067 63 60 29 - Luxembourg ○○ Rue Lambert-le- ●● T: 0478 02 19 90 Immigrants Bègue 8 Centre) - Marche- Open on Thursdays 4000 Liège en-Famenne from 9:00 -11:30. ●● T: 04 223 58 89 ○○ Place aux Foires 21 Open on Tuesdays 6900 Marche-en- and Thursdays from Famenne The employees of those Organisations are subject to professional secrecy. 9:00-12:00. ●● T: 084 45 68 08 Even if you’re undocumented, all the informations you’ll transmit will be confidential. 8 9 DIRECTORY OF BELGIAN MIGRATION SECTOR MAIN PROCEDURES FOR STAY
THE PROCEDURE FOR ASYLUM AND ADMINISTRATIONS AND JURIDICTION SUBSIDIARY PROTECTION
OE/IBZ CGRA/CGVS CCE /RVV The asylum procedure leads to one of THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE PROCESS (Immigration (Office of the (Council for Alien the following results: recognition of ref- Office) Commissioner Law litigation) 1. Introduction of the application at the General for ○ World Trade Center, ○ Rue Gaucheret ugee status, the granting of subsidiary ○ Refugees and ○ Immigration Office (OE/IBZ) Tower II 92-94 Stateless Persons) protection, or the refusal of both sta- Chaussée d’Anvers 1030 Brussels tuses. The claimant must however only 2. First interview at the (OE/IBZ) to 59 B ○○ WTC II ●● T: 02 791 60 00 assess the statements concerning 1000 Brussels Boulevard du Roi ●● www.rvv-cce.be/fr submit one request. Subsidiary protec- Albert II 26 A INFODESK identity, origin and route taken to ar- 1000 Brussels tion will only be processed if asylum has ● T: 02/793 80 00 ● ● T: 02 205 51 11 rive in Belgium. ● infodesk@ ● not been granted. ● ● F: 02 205 51 15 ibz.fgov.be ● 3. ● cgra.info@ Second interview at the Commission- ● dofi.ibz.be/sites/ ● The asylum application provides ac- ● ibz.fgov.be er General for Refugees and State- dvzoe/FR/Pages/ cess to refugee status. The term «refu- ●● www.cgra.be/fr home.aspx gee» applies to any person who is out- less Persons (CGRA/CGVS) for an in- side a particular country where, based depth assessment of the application on well-founded reasons, they fear of for asylum being persecuted due to their race, re- 4. Where to go in case of a refusal: ligion, nationality, or membership of a - The Council for Alien Law Litigation particular social group or political opin- (CCE/RVV) ion, and who cannot or does not want to claim protection from said country. - The Council of State
The subsidiary protection status is SEVERAL ASYLUM APPLICATIONS granted to the migrant who cannot be considered a refugee and for whom If your first asylum application was not there are substantial grounds for be- successful, you have the opportunity lieving that, if returned to their country, to introduce a 2nd, 3rd, etc. However, if they would incur a real risk of suffering the Commissioner General for Refugees serious harm. and Stateless Persons (CGRS) believes The asylum procedure is long and that you are not providing any new ele- complex. We do not recommend you ments, it will refuse to take your request starting it without the help and sup- into consideration and to go ahead port of either a lawyer or a specialist with the assessment. It will give you service for migration rights listed in an Annex 13 quater (decision to refuse the Directory of Belgian Migration consideration of the asylum application Sector P.6 with orders to leave the territory). The CIRE has created a hands-on guide for the asylum procedure: ●● https://www.cire.be/publications/ etudes/nouvelle-edition-du-guide-de-la- procedure-d-asile-en-belgique
10 11 MAIN PROCEDURES FOR STAY MAIN PROCEDURES FOR STAY
THE RIGHTS RELATED TO ASYLUM THE REGULARISATION REGULARISATION AND SUBSIDIARY PROTECTION OF STAY FOR EXCEPTIONAL BASED ON MEDICAL REASONS
1.THE RIGHT TO RECEPTION REASONS (9BIS) (9TER) In Belgium, people who apply for asy- In principle, any application for resi- documents that prove the exceptional If you suffer from a disease that poses lum are entitled to material assistance dence in Belgium, for a period exceed- circumstances preventing their return. a real threat to your life and there is no (reception) which includes accommo- ing three months, should be introduced The decision to refuse a regularisation possibility to receive adequate care in dation, meals, social, medical and psy- from abroad at their respective Belgian of stay may be accompanied by an or- your country of origin, you can intro- chological support, legal aid (see point diplomatic or consular authorities. How- der to leave the territory and, if need be, duce an application for regularisation of 2) and the possibility to attend certain ever, two exceptions allow migrants an entry ban as well. stay under Article 9ter of the 1980 Act. courses. Reception is either offered who are already in Belgium to regular- If a permit is granted, the person re- How to apply? You must prove your in open community centres that are ise their situation. These exceptions are identity and attach a completed medi- managed by Fedasil and The Belgian either the regularisation for exceptional ceives a CIRÉ REGISTRATION (Resi- dence permit). If the permit was granted cal certificate such as the one from the Red Cross, or in individual housing or- circumstances based on Article 9 bis of Immigration Office (OE/IBZ). The med- ganised by the CPAS (Local Housing the legislation from 15 October 1980, or for a limited period, an extension has to be requested from the local authority ical certificate may not be older than 3 Initiatives) and the organisations CIRÉ the regularisation for medical reasons months and must always specify the and Flemish Refugee Action. However, based on Article 9 ter of the same act, before the expiry of the residence permit (45 days before). disease, its severity and the treatment if you decide not to take advantage of a see Health Care sheet P.17. considered to be necessary. host site, the only help available for free An application for regularisation of stay Any decision made by the Immigration is medical assistance. Office (OE/IBZ) regarding an application IMPORTANT: The concept of “se- can be introduced on the basis of ex- verity” of a disease presents a How to access this? To benefit from ceptional circumstances preventing for regularisation can be challenged before the CCE as well. However, in this problem for the medical profession as reception, you have to go to Fedasil’s them from a return to either their coun- this changes according to whether it dispatching service once you have en- try of origin or the one for which they context, any deportation order issued by the OE/IBZ will not be suspended. is being treated or not. The doctor will tered your asylum application at the Im- hold a right of residence. However, the therefore have to specify a bit further migration Office. law does not specify those exceptional For more information on the 9 bis reg- such as “severe threat, severe threat circumstances. Any argument can be ularisation process, it is necessary to Dispatching Service Fedasil without treatment, fatal risk without made but chances of obtaining a posi- contact a specialised association. See ○○ World Trade Center II treatment...” Chaussée d’Anvers, 59B (1st floor) tive response are low. the Directory of Belgian Migration 1000 Brussels Sector P.6 For more information on the 9ter regu- ●● T: 02 793 82 40 How to apply? The request is automat- larisation process, contact the organi- ●● F: 02 203 60 04 ically processed as soon as the asylum sations specialising in migrants’ rights 2.THE RIGHT TO LEGAL AID: application has been rejected. The per- indicated in the Directory of Belgian As an asylum seeker, you are entitled to son must then select a domicile. This Migration Sector P.6 legal aid which means that you can take can either be set to their main home ad- advantage of free legal support and rep- dress or to their lawyer’s address (pre- resentation. ferred option in order to ensure proper receipt of mails). If a domicile is not se- lected at the time of submitting the ap- plication, the OE/IBZ will choose their own office address. The applicant must provide proof of identity alongside any
12 13 MAIN PROCEDURES FOR STAY RECEIVING HELP
FAMILY REUNIFICATION SOCIAL EMERGENCY W In Belgium there is a procedure for cer- SPOUSE: A person will be considered a If you do not know where to sleep to- tain people who are residing in its terri- spouse if a legal union equivalent to mar- night, there are places that can host Liège Charleroi Social emergency Social Emergen- tory to be joined by some of their family riage was concluded within the following you. Sometimes, these emergency ser- service of the Liège cy of the CPAS of members. Nevertheless, the conditions countries: Denmark, Germany, Finland, vices also offer a meal, a shower, etc. CPAS Charleroi are strict. Iceland, Norway, UK and Sweden. ○○ Place ○○ Rue Dagnelies 3 Saint-Jacques 13 6000 Charleroi In principle, an application for family PARTNER: A person will be considered BRU 4000 Liège (+nearby districts) ●● T: 04 221 13 13 ●● T: 071 20 23 10 reunification must be introduced at the a partner if a legal partnership was reg- (24h/7) – FR-EN (24h/7) Emergency Medical Aid Service consular authorities in the country of istered with them (legal cohabitation in Open from La Louvière of Brussels (Samu Social) Monday to Friday from origin. However, it can be introduced Belgium). Social Emergency ○ Rue du Petit-Rempart 5 9:00-12:30 and ○ Service of the CPAS when the person is already residing in 1000 Brussels 14:00-16:00, For further information on the family of La Louvière Belgium. The application must then reunification procedure, contact the ●● T: 0800 99 340 except Monday (24h/7) – freephone – FR-NL-EN afternoons. ○○ Place de la be submitted to the Immigration Office Concorde 15 organisations specialising in migrants’ A general plan of all available emergency services Verviers 7100 La Louvière (OE/IBZ). in Brussels can be downloaded here: rights, indicated in the Directory of Social Emergency ● http://plan.brureg-lastrada.be/ Hotline from ● Service of Verviers The family reunification procedure Belgian Migration Sector P.6 Monday to Friday (DUS) varies depending on the applicant’s F from 8:30-16:00 ○○ Rue Ortmans ●● T: 064 885 239 nationality (the family member being Hauzeur 39 Outside of the opening 4800 Verviers joined in Belgium): Belgian, EU citizen There is a CAW Antwerpen hours mentioned ● T: 087 35 21 21 (Centre for Social ● above - freephone: or citizen of a country outside the EU Crisispermanentie (24h/7) Work, see the ● T: 0800 120 14 = “third country”, but also on that of the ● T: 0800 259 22 ● Directory of Belgian ● Open from 13:30-16:30. freephone Mons Migration Sector reunited (the family member who joins Namur P.6) in every city Call after 16:00. Social Emergency the migrant residing in Belgium): third of Flanders and Brus- Social Emergency Service of the CPAS Limburg country or EU. sels that can help and Service of Namur of Mons guide you if needed. Crisisteam CAW ● T: 0800 124 20 ● ○ Rue du Bouzanton 1 Limburg (24h/7) ○ It is necessary to identify the family Call the CAW helpdesk 7000 Mons ● T: 011 28 38 73 to be redirected on: ● A brochure of the member wishing to join the person (24h/7) Hotline from ● T: 078 150 300 Namur Urban Social ● Monday to Friday residing in Belgium. The only family Oost-Vlaanderen Relay, lists all the During the opening from 8:00-16:00 services accessible to members that are permitted are parents, hours of the CAW Crisisteam ● T: 065 408 437 people in difficulty in ● (usually 9:00-17:00) De Schelp children, grandparents and spouses (le- Namur: Outside of the opening gal cohabitation or marriage). Uncles, Outside of opening ○○ Elyzeese Velden 7 ●● http://rsun.jimdo hours mentioned above nephews and cousins can therefore not hours, call one of 9000 Ghent com/publications/ and on weekends the numbers listed ●● T: 09 265 04 90 outils-a-telecharger/ ●● T: 065 84 01 01 apply for family reunification. here after. (24h/7) If your area has Additionally, there are further conditions no number, of age, income, adequate housing, etc. call Tele-Onthaal ●● T: 106
For anyother emergency, see the table at the back.
14 15 RECEIVING HELP
MONEY FOOD AID
BRU W It’s not illegal neither impossible for an
undocumented person to open a bank Federation of Social Food Parcels from account. But the bank will probably ask Services (FDSS) the Red Cross for an ID Card and a proof of residency ●● T: 02 526 03 08 Call to find your nearest HEALTH registration. The practices can change ●● T: 02 250 09 13 Red Cross house and ●● http://www its hours for food parcel one bank to another. fdss.be/index. distribution: CARE php?page= ●● T: 105 Also, we recommend to always have a concertation INFORMATION, GUIDANCE AND 50 euros deposit to assure the account’s -aide-alimentaire-3 Collectmet CONSULTATION current operation. - Marché des Abattoirs in HEALTH INSURANCE Anderlecht ○○ Rue Ropsy EMERGENCY MEDICAL AID Chaudron 24 1070 Bruxelles ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN ●● T: 02 5 56 11 79 ●● [email protected] RECEPTION CENTRES They collect and share unsold fruit and MEDICAL SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM vegetables every Sunday between SEEKERS NOT RESIDING WITHIN 14:00 and 17:00. A RECEPTION CENTRE
F MENTAL HEALTH
Call the CAW helpdesk who will redirect you on: SEXUAL AND EMOTIONAL LIFE
●● T: 078 150 300. PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
MATERIAL AID FOR NEWBORNS
EXCISION AND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
APPENDIX
16 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE
INFORMATION, GUIDANCE AND CONSULTATION HEALTH INSURANCE EMERGENCY MEDICAL AID In case of illness, all your necessary BRU W health care costs are subject to reim- Although it is commonly called Emer- bursement (totally or partially) through Medical Medical gency Medical Aid (EMA) it actually Consultations Consultations a health insurance which you access via Namur La Louvière covers all necessary care (only beau- a membership of an insurance fund. ty treatments are excluded). This aid ○○ At the RGN, Rue M. In the premises of the Medimmigrant asbl Médecins du Monde Bourtombourg 6 health relay of the CPAS You will have to pay some or all of the may cover medical expenses for a con- ● http://www. 5000 Namur information and ● ○ Rue du Moulin 79 medecinsdumonde. ● T: 0495 27 61 00 ○ medical expenses in advance. The sultation with a general practitioner or guidance in Brussels ● 7100 La Louvière be/belgique/ ●● coordo.namur@ fund reimburses you afterwards but specialist, a hospital stay, any drugs ●● T: 06 454 02 18 ○○ Rue Gaucheret 164 3-centres-daccueil medecins 1030 Brussels -de-soins dumonde.be Open on Wednesdays a part of the cost is at your expense or medical equipment (e.g. crutches, ● T: 02 274 14 33 -et-dorientation from 9:00-12:00. ● Open on Thursdays (co-payment rate). wheelchairs, etc.), and glasses in some ● T: 02 274 14 34 ● Only for people from 10:00-12:00. ● info@ FOR WHOM? cases. ● who are not medimmigrant.be already monitored by a ● http://www. It is provided by the CPAS/OCMW of the ● doctor and are unable F For students, for employed or self-em- medimmigrant.be/ town you live in. to fund it. ployed workers, for dependants of an Hotline on Mondays, Medical Bus in Association of COZO - Centre Thursdays and Fridays affiliated person, for people in posses- To find a CPAS/OCMW near you in ei- Brussels (Medibus) Health Centres for reception, care from 10:00-13:00 (VWGC) and orientation sion of a CIRE Registration, or for MENA ther Brussels or Wallonia: and Tuesdays from Reception, guidance, (Unaccompanied Minor Migrant, see 14:00-18:00. nursing care (Medical homes in ○○ Van Maerlantstraat FPS Social Integration, Flanders and Brussels) 56 Fight against Poverty, Social Economy Free Clinic From 18:30-20:45 MENA sheet P.47) 2000 Antwerpen and Policy on Large Cities Mondays: Central Station ○ Vooruitgangstraat ○ Chaussée ○ ● T: 03 231 36 41 ○ Tuesdays: South Station 333 bus 10 ● ○ World Trade Centre II – Tower 2 de Wavre 154 ○ Thursday: North Station 1030 Brussels Registration for Boulevard Roi Albert II 30 1050 Brussels ● T: 0474 40 67 30 ● T: 02 265 01 67 consultations on: 1000 Brussels ● T: 02 512 13 14 ● ● ● Mondays and ● T: 02 508 85 86 ● [email protected] Athéna Dispensary For an exhaustive list An undocumented person can usually ● ● Thursdays at 9:00. ● [email protected] ● http://www. of VWGC: ● ● ○ Rue Jean de not join an insurance fund, unless they ● http://www.mi-is.be freeclinic.be/ ○ ● http://www Medical ● Brouchoven ● vwgc.be/index. Consultations were affiliated before the loss of their Medical Homes de Bergeyck 2 FOR WHOM? php?page=7& Ostende (Maisons Médicales) 1000 Brussels right to stay. In the latter case, they can titel=Waar?%20 ● T: 02 209 05 25 At the CAW of ○ Boulevard du Midi ● &style=bruin apply for an extension of the insur- It is meant for people who have never ○ ● [email protected] Oostende 25 bte 5 – 5th Floor ● ● http://www. Like the FR ance, even if they are not legally resi- had a residence permit in Belgium or 1000 Brussels ● ○ Sint Sebastiaan- athenapmg.be/ medical homes, ○ ● T: 02 514 40 14 straat 16a dent anymore. who have lost it. ● the VWGC have differ- ● www. CASO - Centre 8400 Ostende ● ent practices regarding PROCEDURES maisonmedicale. for reception, access to their services Open on Thursdays org medical attention for undocumented from 10:00-12:00. «NORMAL» PROCEDURE: and orientation When you Medical homes migrants. In general, Medical have different By appointment only you must already be need to see a doctor, you must go to Consultations working practices in possession of an ○ Rue du Botanique 75 Zeebrugges your local CPAS/OCMW in advance. when it comes to ○ AMU (Urgent Medical 1210 Brussels offering their services Assistance - Dutch: ● T: 0491 90 69 66 This CPAS/OCMW will be able to either ● T: 02 225 43 00 ● to undocumented ● Medische Dringende (Benoît Kervyn) ● T: 02 225 43 13 accept or reject cover of medical costs; migrants. ● Hulpverlening ● Social.caso@ Open on Mondays depending on your personal situation Check out this page ● see P.19). medecinsdumonde. from 16:00-19:00 with details of be and Fridays from (you must meet certain conditions such intergroup (Brussels, 10:00-13:00. Charleroi, Liège): Email answer daily as residence permit, lack of income...). ●● http://www. apart from Tuesday maisonmedicale. afternoons. org/-Intergroupes-. html 18 19 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE
The CPAS/OCMW may ask you to pro- EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: Whenever you ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE MEDICAL SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM vide an urgent medical assistance need to see a doctor urgently and you IN RECEPTION CENTRES SEEKERS NOT RESIDING certificate (“certificat d’aide médi- do not have an EMA, you must go to your WITHIN A RECEPTION CENTRE cale urgent”) completed by a doctor. nearest hospital’s accident & emer- In the centres, you are entitled to both The doctor specifies the necessary care gency department and explain your sit- psychological assistance as well as sup- In this case, the only free service avail- (type of treatment, drugs, whether hos- uation to the hospital’s social services. port for medical expenses throughout able is medical aid. Fedasil’s depart- pitalisation is necessary...). You do not The social service is the entity that will the duration of your stay there. There is ment for Medical Costs organises need to wait for care to become urgent launch the process for an EMA. Other- a medical team in every reception cen- both the repayment of bills to providers, before calling the CPAS/OCMW (exam- wise you will be billed to your home. tre but the centre’s doctor may also refer as well as medical assistance. ple: monitoring of pregnancy). Check out the section looking into the you to an external specialist service. HOW? See Health Care’s Appendix 1 P.26 management of health care on this site For more information, see the Proce- Via a request for a payment undertak- IMPORTANT: If the doctor is not http://www.vivreenbelgique.be/ which dures/Rights of Asylum Seekers fact ing (“réquisitoire”). An application for a “conventionné” (affiliated to the was created by CIRÉ. sheet P.12 “réquisitoire” must be completed and public health insurance system), you WARNING! When you ask for an EMA, sent (via fax or email) to the Medical Ex- will have to pay for the first consultation. the social worker is obliged to penses department before the start of the Ask the CPAS/OCMW for a list of doc- hand you a receipt. It is illegal for treatment. You should receive a response tors near you that are “conventionnés”. them to refuse! This is a proof of your for a payment undertaking within a day. The procedure varies from one CPAS/ claim. Likewise, if the CPAS/OCMW See Health Care’s Appendix 2 P.27 OCMW to another and is often confus- refuses your request for an EMA, de- This “réquisitoire” needs to be filled out ing and a source of uncertainty. Please mand an answer in writing. You can together with the provider (doctor, spe- contact organisations specialising in contact a specialist organisation cialist, pharmacist...), to whom you must the field of Health P18 that will help you in your procedure deliver either Annex 26 or 26bis with (see P. 18 of this sheet) your photo attached. In case of emer- gency care, thus when it is impossible to previously apply for a “réquisitoire”, you will have to submit the invoice together with an “urgent care certificate”. See Health Care’s Appendix 3 P.28 You can call the department for Medical Expenses from Monday to Friday (pref- erably in the morning):
●● T: 02 213 43 25 (FR) ●● T: 02 213 43 00 (NL) ●● F: 02 213 44 12 ●● Email: [email protected] This service is closed on weekends
20 21 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE
SEXUAL AND EMOTIONAL LIFE PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH MENTAL HEALTH W VIA THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL AID La Clinique de l’Exil CINL When one leaves their country, it can The family planning services provide ○○ Rue Docteur Marche-en- sometimes be difficult to start a new Haibe 4 Famenne places with access to information, med- 5002 Saint-Servais For undocumented mothers-to-be, ○ Avenue du life. It is an everyday struggle: under- Namur ○ ical consultations, social, psychological Monument 8A1 medical care relating to pregnancy and ● T: 081 776 819 standing the functioning of the country, ● 6900 Marche-en- and legal services, sexologists, mar- ● clinique.exil@ childbirth can be covered by the CPAS/ obtaining a residence permit, dealing ● Famenne riage counsellors and family mediators province.namur.be OCMW within an EMA (Emergency with money problems and document Arlon concerned with sexually transmitted Mental Health Medical Aid, see P.19) issues... This can lead to fatigue, stress Service ○○ Espace Didier 42 infections and their prevention, con- (Club André 6700 Arlon IMPORTANT: Submit your ap- and insomnia. It is a normal human reac- Baillon/asbl Tabane) traception, pregnancy monitoring and Bertrix plication for an EMA with your tion. You are not crazy! ○ Rue Saint-Leonard, abortions (VIP), and guidance on sexual- ○ ○ Rue de la gare 20 510 ○ CPAS/OCMW from the announcement 6880 Bertrix ity and family. Whom to talk to? Maybe a doctor, a so- 4000 Liège ● T: 0479 08 48 16 of the pregnancy. In the event that you ● T: 04 228 14 40 ● cial worker or a mental health service. ● ● ethnopsy.cinl@ All workers are subject to professional ● [email protected] ● do not have an EMA and hospitalisa- ● gmail.com secrecy, thus everything you say is con- In Belgium there are several services Santé en Exil tion is required, the hospital will be Sémaphore à Mons fidential, even for minors. that can help you for free and some- ○ Avenue du responsible for making application for ○ ○ Rue des Belneux 4 Centenaire 75 ○ times with translator. 7000 Mons an EMA. 6061 Montignies- BXL W ● T: 065 84 73 22 sur-Sambre ● ● http://www. BRU Charleroi ● picardie-laique.be ●● T: 071 10 86 10 Secular Federation Pluralistic Federa- of Family Planning tion of Family Plan- Espace 28 Centre Exil asbl Centre for Mental Centres (NPO) ning Centres (NPO) Health Care ○ Rue du centre 81 ○ Avenue de la ○ ○ Rue de la Tulipe 34 ○ Avenue Émile ○ 4800 Verviers ○ ○ Couronne 282 ○○ Ninoofsesteenweg 1050 Brussels de Béco 109 ●● T: 087 341 053 1050 Brussels 120 ●● T: 02 502 82 03 Rue du Trône 127 ●● T: 02 534 53 30 1080 Brussels ●● F: 02 503 30 93 1050 Brussels ● T: 02 412 72 10 ● flcp@ ● T/F: 02 514 61 03 Service of Mental ● F ● ● ● west@ planningfamilial.net ● [email protected] Health Ulysse ● ● cgg-brussel.be ●● http://www. ●● http://www.fcppf. ○ Rue de l’Ermitage 52 planningfamilial. be/v2/ ○ Consultations in Centre for Mental Healthcare (CGG) 1050 Brussels net/ Dutch + translator ●● T: 02 514 40 14 Consultations in Dutch + translators Rivages To find a centre near you and fitting to your admin- ○○ Rue de istrative status, contact: F l’association 15 Federation of services for Mental 1000 Brussels Health Care (FDGG) ●● T: 02 550 06 70 The CAW (Centre for Social Work) offers this ●● info@ ○○ Servaes Residence – 1st floor service. rivagedenzaet.com Martelaarslaan 204B To find your nearest CAW, call (in Dutch) 9000 Gent First consultation is for ● T: 078 150 300 ● T: 09 233 50 99 ● free and any thereafter ● ● [email protected] For more information on CAW, check out the cost €15 each. ● ●● http://www.fdgg.be/ Directory of Belgian Migration Sector P.6 .
22 23 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE
VIA THE OFFICE OF BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD – MATERIAL AID FOR NEWBORNS EXCISION AND FEMALE GENITAL ONE/KIND AND GEZIN MUTILATION BRU
○○ Rue Gabrielle Petit 6 In Belgium, it is strictly forbidden to exe- 1080 Brussels The Office of Birth and Childhood (ONE/ Material aid is offered to families with- cute excision and female geniral mutila- ●● T : 02 219 43 40 KIND AND GEZIN) provides expecting out income. It is an “emergency parcel” tion. Specialised organisation exist and parents, with or without documentation, including baby care products, nappies, can assist the victim. W free consultations before and after the clothes... Assistance can take many forms: lend- child’s birth. The goal is to monitor the ing an ear, counselling and legal sup- By appointment only, every second Tuesday To qualify for this aid, a social worker of the month. course of the pregnancy and to ensure port within an asylum procedure based must issue a certificate beforehand that Namur : Liège : the health of the mother and the baby. on a fear of mutilation, support with so- you then take to one of the following or- ○○ Rue de la Tour 7 ○○ Rue Agimont 17 This counselling service can take place ganisations: cial and administrative procedures, col- 5000 Namur 4000 Liège at home if future parents wish. lecting of witness statements... Mons : Samia Youssouf ● T : 0470 54 18 99 ○ Boulevard ● ○ ● Email : Gendebien 5 ● [email protected] 7000 Mons BRU W BXL Groupe pour l’abolition des mutilations génitales – GAMS asbl Halimatou Barry ● T: 0493 49 29 50 ● Email: [email protected] ● ● ● Email: ONE - Department Saint Pierre Hospital Nasci ASBL ● Website: www.gams.be ● ● [email protected] of Consultations Pre- and post-natal ○ Rue d’Athenan 4 and Home Visits FR ○ consultations 1030 Brussels ○ Chaussée de ● T: 02 216 88 85 F ○ ○ Boulevard ● Charleroi 95 ○ de Waterloo 129 1060 Brussels 1000 Brussels ●● T: 02 542 12 21 Antwerpen: ●● T: 02 535 47 13 ●● [email protected] ○○ Van Maerlanstraat 56 2060 Antwerpen F F Katrien De Koster ●● T : 0495 93 93 18 ●● Email : [email protected] KIND EN GEZIN - NL Babynest ●● T: 078 150 100 ○○ Frans van Ryhovelaan 166 . ●● http://www.kindengezin.be/ 9000 Gent ●● T: 0486 14 16 87 ●● [email protected]
24 25 HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE
APPENDIX 1 APPENDIX 2
26 27 HEALTH CARE
APPENDIX 3
HOUSING SEARCHING ACCOMMODATION
SOCIAL HOUSING
TENANCY SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
SECURITY DEPOSIT
REGISTRATION
INFORMATION AND RIGHTS ON ENERGY (Gas, electricity, water)
28 HOUSING HOUSING
SEARCHING ACCOMMODATION SOME TIPS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING TENANCY SUPPORT FINDING ACCOMMODATION: ORGANISATIONS Looking for decent accommodation at - Check out the signs posted on avail- If your income is low, you may be enti- There are services and organisations a fair price is a problem faced by many able properties. They are usually or- tled to social housing with a rent that is that can help you find private accom- people in Belgium. ange and black and should always set according to your income. In reali- modation. They do not offer “miracle” The ”Vivre en Belgique” guide contains indicate the rental price. ty though, there is a great lack of social solutions but can be useful, especially if tips on finding and choosing a home: housing which creates delays and very you need help with French or Dutch, or long waiting lists. with using the internet. ●● www.vivreenbelgique.be/1-logement/ la-recherche-d-un-logement One of the conditions to have access to Some associations also give guidance Several brochures on finding accom- social housing is a valid residence per- and legal advice on “droit du bail” modation are available in Dutch, En- mit. In Brussels only, undocumented (=rights and obligations of a tenant and glish, French, Farsi and Arabic on: people can reserve a registration num- a landlord). ●● https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.be/huisvesting ber, allowing them to be better placed Whatever your status, you do have on the waiting list if their regularisation rights. For example, a landlord cannot is accepted. evict you without a judge’s authorisation. To apply for social housing, contact A landlord cannot exclude a prospective - Look through ads in shops and pub- your CPAS (see the Health Care sheet tenant because of them being foreign or lic places. Consult the websites that aaaaaaa P.18). You can also get infor- receiving support from the CPAS. publish ads, for example: mation from your local social housing A brochure of the Housing Support ●● www.immoweb.be organisation. Union Hasselt looks at some basic ●● www.vlan.be ●● www.kapaza.be principles on tenancy rights in English, ●● www.quefaire.be Dutch and Arabic and illustrates them in ●● www.2ememain.be BRU ●● www.realo.be a simple and clear manner: ● www.zimmo.be ● ● www.vluchtelingenwerk.be/system/tdf/ Society of Housing in the region of Brussels ● huisvestingsfolder_in_het_arabisch_ - Consult Facebook groups that publish Capital (SLRB) ads, for example: huurderssynikaat_-_caw_1.pdf ○○ Rue Jourdan 45-55. 1060 Brussels ●● BXL à louer – Bouche à oreille, ●● T: 02 533 19 11 BXL À LOUER <500€, ●● http://www.slrb.irisnet.be/ Liège à louer, etc.
- Check out the ads in local newspapers W - Talk to people around you: families, friends, neighbours... Walloon Society of Housing (SWL) ○○ Rue de l’Ecluse 21. 6000 Charleroi ●● T: 071 200 211 ●● http://www.swl.be/
F
Flemish Society for Social Housing (VMSW) ○○ Koloniënstraat 40. 1000 Brussels ●● T: 02 505 45 45 ●● https://www.vmsw.be/
30 31 HOUSING HOUSING
W You can rent private accommodation In addition to the addresses below, without a residence permit. You risk you can also contact your CPAS for as- Espaces Wallonie Liège Charleroi Hainaut The 11 departments Habitat-Service New Solidarities My Roof for You nothing by signing a written agreement sistance in finding accommodation. of Espaces Wallonie (Solidarités (À Toi mon Toit) ○ Rue Chevaufosse, (Arlon, Eupen, La ○ Nouvelles) ● www.atoimontoit.be and it is wise to do so. Organisations specialising in migrants’ 78 ● Louviere, Mons, Namur, ● [email protected] see the 4000 Liège ○ Boulevard Jacques ● rights may also be able to help ( Nivelles, Tournai, ○ The owner will not be punished either ● T : 04 226 20 55 Bertrand 8 Ath Directory of Belgian Migration Sector, Verviers, Brussels, ● 6000 Charleroi unless they act as a so-called slum- Charleroi and Liège) Caritas International : ○ Marché aux P.6) ● T : 071 30 36 77 ○ lord, someone who takes advantage disseminate informa- Housing Café of ● Toiles 13 tion on the services in Liège Hotline on Wednesdays 7800 Ath of your weakness in order to house the Walloon Region. from 10:00-12:00 and ● T: 068 45 52 28 ○ Rue des ● They also hold advice ○ walk-in on Thursdays you under conditions that are in- Prémontrés 40 Mons sessions on housing. from 14:00-16:00 4000 Liège compatible with human dignity, and ○ Square Roosevelt 8 Call: ● T : 0477 98 64 10 Relogeas ○ ● 7000 Mons charges you an abnormally high rent. ● 1718 ○ Rue de Monceau ● ○ ● T: 0497 24 63 10 for the address and Fontaine 42/11 ● opening hours of 6031 Monceau your nearest Espace sur Sambre BRU Wallonie. ●● T : 071 31 40 07
F Convivial asbl .Tenants’ Union (UL) Social House Caritas International: of Schaerbeek of Evere Brussels Housing ○ Rue du Charroi ○ Café The regional home and Anvers Tenants’ Union Ghent 33/35 ○ Rue de la Poste 156 ○ Avenue Henri ○ ○ integration offices have ○ Diksmuidelaan 276 (Huurdersbond) ○ Grondwetlaan 56 b 1190 Brussels 1030 Brussels Conscience 83 ○ Rue de la Charité 43 ○ ○ ○ a mission to support 2600 Antwerpen 9040 ● T: 02 503 43 46 ● T: 02 218 52 66 1140 Brussels 1210 Brussels They do not usually ● ● housing needs, so you ● T: 03 320 29 70 Sint-Amandsberg ● www.convivial.be ● T: 02 240 60 70 ● T: 02 229 36 11 ● help with finding ● List of accommodation ● ● can call them if you are ● www.deideale ● T: 09 223 28 77 ● housingcafe@ ● accommodation but ● Help and support for available to rent in Computers available ● newly arrived. For full woning.be caritasint.be can advise you on your Offices open on recognised refugees the municipality of to browse accommo- contact details see the Ghent rights and help you Thursdays 17:30-19:30 for finding an accom- Schaerbeek (updated dation search pages Assistance in searching Training sheet ○ Leiekaai 340 defending them. There Membership: modation and housing weekly) together with a coach, accommodation, P.59 ○ 9000 Ghent is a registration fee but €17 per year. after leaving the recep- on Tuesdays and moving in, and first Housing Equally, you can ● T: 09 216 75 75 the first consultation is tion centre. Thursdays from steps. ● Bruges and Renovation contact your nearest ● www. often for free. See: 13:30-16:30. ● ○ Vlamingdam 55 Social Rights (Habitat Tenants Service’s WAC. Find the contact deGhentsehaard.be ● www. ○ ● 8000 Bruges Workshop et Rénovation) Tenants’ Union (UL) National Office information in the huurdersbond.be Brugge ● T: 050 33 77 15 of St-Gilles Directory of Belgian ● ○ Rue de la ○ Avenue de ○ Chaussée de Wavre ○ Handboogstraat 2 Anvers ○ ○ ○ Migration Sector ○ Offices open on Porte Rouge 4 la Couronne 340 ○ 131 Rue Berckmans 1176 8000 Bugge Antwerpen ○ P.6 Mondays from 1000 Brussels 1050 Brussels 1060 Brussels 1170 Brussels ● T: 050 31 76 58 Huurdersbond ● 17:00-19:30, and ● T: 02 512 71 57 ● T: 02 639 60 10 ● T: 02 538 70 34 ● T: 02 218 75 30 ● www.brugse ○ Langstraat 102 ● ● ● ● Woonloket ● ○ Tuesdays and Fridays huisvesting.be 2140 Borgerhout Tenants’ Union (UL) Active accommodation Help with internet and Legal advice from: from 10:00-12:30 Most cities and towns ● T: 03 272 27 42 of Anderlecht research workshop led phone research on Monday to Thursday Turnhout ● Membership: have a housing service. by a facilitator, and with Tuesdays from from 10:00-12:00 ○ Campus Blairon Offices open on Tues- €12 per year. ○ Chaussée de They are called “woon- ○ ○ the purpose of learning 14:00-16:00 and and from 13:00-16:00, 599 days from 19:30-21:00 Mons 291 loket” or “woonwinkel”. Hasselt or improving one’s Thursdays 10:00-12:00. Fridays from 2300 Turnhout and Thursdays from 1070 Brussels You can find them on ○ Albrecht Roden- house searching meth- 10:00-12:00, and ● T: 014 40 11 00 13:00-15:00 ○ ● T: 02 520 21 29 Mentor Escale ● http://www. ● bachstraat 29 bus 4 ● od. Available to people Thursday evenings ● ● www.arkwonen.be wonenvlaanderen. ● Membership: 3500 Hasselt Leasehold advice living in Ixelles. ○ Rue Souveraine 19 from 18:00-20:00. ○ be/huren/ Caritas Internation- €17 per year. ● T: 011 333 576 on Mondays from 1050 Brussels ● u-zoekt-een-beta al Housing ● http://www.huur 14:00-17:00 and Thurs- ● T: 02 505 32 32 ● ● albare-huurwoning Café of Antwerpen derssyndicaat.be/ days from 9:00-12:00 ● info@ ● ○ Sint Jacobsmarkt 43 mentorescale.be ○ Offices open on Individual assistance 2000 Anvers Mondays from in finding accommoda- Reserved to young ● housingcafeantwer ● 18:00-20:30 and Tues- tion, based on a refugees or asylum [email protected] days from 13:00-15:00 list that is updated seekers under Monday afternoons, Membership: every Monday. the age of 26. register by email. €12 per year. 32 33 HOUSING HOUSING
SECURITY DEPOSIT REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND RIGHTS ON BRU W ENERGY (Gas, electricity, water) Many landlords ask for a security de- Whenever you move into a new home Some services can help you choose a posit (or guarantee). This is a sum of Housing Fund of Fonds des while being a legal resident, you must gas and electricity supplier and a pricing money from the tenant that is set aside the Brussels Capital Garanties Locatives Region du Brabant Wallon go and register at the town hall’s civil tailored to your income. They can also to pay for any rental damage or unpaid (Ligue des familles) ○○ Rue de l’Été 73 register within 8 days. This procedure is inform you about your rights and advise rent. If you leave the accommodation 1050 Brussels ○○ Avenue des Croix called “domiciliation”. you in case you encounter any problems. intact, you receive the guarantee back. ●● T : 02 504 32 11 du Feu 20 ●● http://www. 1430 Rebecq fondsdulogement. ● T : 0494 31 74 68 If you are a legal resident, the municipal- The maximum amount for a deposit is ● BRU be/ ●● fglbw@ ity cannot refuse to register you, even if the equivalent of 2 months’ rent if you liguedesfamilles.be Walk-in service your accommodation is substandard. If are paying it yourself or 3 months’ worth open from Monday to Infor Gas&Electricity Friday from 8:30-12:00 they refuse, demand a written declara- ○ Chaussée de Haecht 51 (ring bell number 7) if a bank or CPAS is lending it to you. and 12:45-16:00 ○ tion expressing their decision. Immedi- 1210 Brussels In order to protect tenants, the law re- Flemish Fund for ately after, contact an organisation that ●● T: 02 209 21 90 Rental Guarantees ●● www.infogazelec.be quires the deposit to be paid into a can help you with filing an appeal. The blocked bank account. If you do not ○○ Koning Albert Open Monday to Friday: II-laan 19 organisations below can help you as from 9:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00, have a bank account or the owner de- 1210 Brussels well as those indicated in the Directory excluding Thursday mornings. mands it to be paid in cash, ask him to ●● T: 02 553 19 10 ●● huurgarantie of Belgian Migration Sector P.6 give you a signed paper bearing his and fonds@ W your names, together with the date and rwo.vlaanderen.be Youth Rights Service ● T: 02 209 61 61 the amount of money you gave him as ● Energy Info in Wallonia Walloon network for the fight against poverty a deposit. ●● T: 081 390 626 ●● T: 081 31 21 17 ●● http://www.energieinfowallonie.be/ If you have difficulties coming up with Solidarity against exclusion collective Mondays and Thursdays from 09:00-12:30. the amount of the security deposit, ●● T: 02 535 93 57 contact either your CPAS or a Housing F Fund, if available in your area:
Flemish Regulator for the Electricity It is useless, and even dangerous, to try and Gas Market to register in a municipality if you do not ●● T: 1700 – freephone intend to either apply for marriage, legal Monday to Friday from 09:00-19:00 cohabitation, or a permit to stay. ●● http://www.vreg.be (NL-FR-EN) Public regulator of gas and electricity services. Consumer advice.
34 35 HOUSING
FAMILIES SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICE
YOUNG PEOPLE
MARRIAGE
LEGAL COHABITATION
DIVORCE/SEPARATION/MEDIATION consequences on the right of residence
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FAMILIES WITH UNDERAGE CHILDREN WITH ILLEGAL RESIDENCE
36 FAMILY FAMILY
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS YOUNG PEOPLE
FAMILY ALLOWANCES GUARANTEED FAMILY ALLOWANCES EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICE In principle, access to family allowance This is a particular scheme for families Brussels-J is a website for young peo- is based on two conditions: employ- who are not eligible for family allowanc- BRU W ple with information on education, em-
ment and residence in Belgium. Parents es (under certain conditions: housing, ONE Accueil temps libre ployment, unemployment, your rights should therefore be legal residents and resources, residence permit in order...). Brabant Wallon Out-of-school and many other topics. Each fact sheet their children should be in Belgium. reception service offers you the possibility to anonymous- You have to submit your application for ●● T: 02 656 08 81 Family allowances are usually paid to guaranteed family allowances to the ●● T: 02 656 08 90 ●● T: 02 542 12 59 ly post any questions and a professional ●● asr.brabant. ●● [email protected] [email protected] will reply as soon as possible. the mother of a child. However, if she is Federal Agency for Family Allowances Service Centre not a legal resident in Belgium but the (FAMIFED). Brussels of Holidays Website: ● T: 02 511 47 51 ● T: 02 542 12 40 ● http://bruxelles-j.be/ father of the child is either Belgian or a Federal Agency for Family Allowances ● ● ● ● asr.bruxelles@ ● [email protected] legal resident, the application for fam- (FAMIFED) ● ● one.be An AMO (Open Youth Centre Service) is ily allowances can be submitted in his Head Office Hainaut a place where you can access counsel- ○ Rue de Trêve 70 name (under certain conditions). ○ ● T: 065 39 96 60 1000 Brussels ● ling, information, advice, support and ●● [email protected] Whom to contact? You must apply for ●● T: 0800 94 434 guidance. The service tries to address family allowances according to your ●● http://flandre.famifed.be/fr/contact Liège problems affecting young people in employment status (employed, self-em- ●● T: 04 344 94 94 their daily lives. ●● [email protected] ployed, etc.), either to the family allow- Luxemburg List of AMOs: ances fund, the social insurance fund, ●● T: 061 23 99 60 In Brussels : or the national family allowances office. ●● asr.luxembourg@ ●● http://amobxl.be/ one.be For further information on the condi- In Wallonia : Namur ●● http://www.aidealajeunesse.cfwb.be/ tions to be granted family allowances index.php?id=329 ●● T: 081 72 36 00 based on your permit of stay, contact ●● T: 081 72 36 02 Info for Young People one of the organisations listed in the ●● [email protected] ●● T: 081 980 816 Directory of Belgian Migration Sector, Find a centre in Belgium: ●● http://www.infor-jeunes.be/site/centre P.6, or via the following links: F ●● [email protected] ●● http://www.vivreenbelgique.be/ 5-la-protection-sociale/ KIND EN GEZIN - NL les-prestations-familiales ●● http://www.atelierdroitssociaux.be/node/48 To find your nearest branch, contact the call centre on: F ●● T: 078 150 100
Lejo - Jeugdwerk ○○ Antwerpsesteenweg 701 9040 Sint-Amandsberg ●● T: 092232154 ●● http://www.lejo.be ●● [email protected]
38 39 FAMILY FAMILY
MARRIAGE LEGAL COHABITATION - Through (repeated) visits at the As this type of interview with the police Legal cohabitation is based on a shared spouses’ home, in order to check the can be very intrusive, we strongly ad- accommodation only. A brother and OBSTACLES IN conditions of life and the reality of co- vise couples to contact their lawyer sister will be able to register a legal co- A MARRIAGE PROCEDURE habitation. In this context, you are not or a specialised organisation in order habitation (but will not gain access to
POSTPONING A CELEBRATION : obliged to let them enter your home to best prepare for the interrogation. family reunification). Also, an undocu- and officers cannot use force to enter. Refusing to attend the interrogation mented person will be able to register a If there is a doubt about the real motives However, this refusal could subse- usually triggers a refusal of marriage legal cohabitation or a marriage. of a marriage, an official of the Register quently lead to a refusal of marriage celebration. Office may request that the chosen date celebration. to celebrate the wedding shall be post- Check the website of the “Amoureux, poned for two months in order to allow - By summoning future spouses to the vos papiers!” project. It is a support net- A person with illegal residence status for a police investigation to be carried police station for questioning them work for couples confronted with Bel- may also apply for legal cohabitation or out (this period can be extended fur- about the grounds of their union. In gian migration policy and includes a col- marriage. ther). In case of postponement, the offi- this context, the future spouses are lection of testimonies as well as monthly Unlike with the marriage procedure, cer of the Register Office will inform the heard separately and considered as advice and exchange meetings. there is no list of necessary documents. future spouses. If within that period no suspicious. The police officers will Website: Generally speaking, the municipality re- ask questions such as: How did you decision is made, the marriage has to be ●● www.amoureuxvospapiers.com quires documents to verify that certain celebrated by the municipality. meet your spouse? Who introduced ●● facebook.com/amoureuxvospapiers conditions are met such as: an identity you to each other? Who are your REFUSING A CELEBRATION: Contact organisations specialising in card (or passport), proof of celibacy and spouse’s family members and what migrants’ rights, see Directory of Bel- the agreement signed before a notary The officer of the Register Office may do they do for a living? When did you gian Migration Sector P.6 (optional). refuse to celebrate the marriage if he talk about marriage for the first time? either consider that the conditions for What are your spouse’s preferences MARRIAGE/LEGAL COHABITATION: marriage are not met, or he feel that the in food, literature, cinema, etc.? Un- WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? marriage could interfere with public less you have had time to calmly read order. In this case, both parties may ap- the written statement of the interro- As for marriage, an investigation may be peal within one month of the decision gation, it is not recommended to sign initiated by the police at the request of notification in front of the Court of st1 it immediately. It is best to ask that a the officer from Register Office. In case Instance. copy is sent to you, which can take up of a negative decision, both cohabitants must be notified. From receipt of the no- WHAT HAPPENS IN AN INVESTIGATION to a month. OF A SUSPECTED SHAM MARRIAGE? tice, they have one month to appeal to the Court of 1st Instance. The official of the Register Office may decide to postpone the celebration to allow for a police investigation that en- sures that it is not a so-called “sham” or “convenience” marriage. This investiga- tion may happen in several ways: - By collecting information from neigh- bours, the landlord, a caretaker, the mu- nicipality, the couple’s entourage, etc.
40 41 FAMILY FAMILY
DIVORCE/SEPARATION/MEDIATION DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BRU W If a marriage does not work anymore Any victim of domestic violence has the Free Clinic asbl Wedding and there are several ways to end it officially: Atelier du lien asbl Mediation Research right to protection and must be able to see Health Care sheet Migration Network Centre (Centre P.18 (Réseau Mariage ○ Voie de la Petite either by divorce (by mutual consent or ○ de Recherche sur la enforce it even if their residence situa- et Migration Reine 1/106 Centre M.I.R asbl médiation asbl) irreconcilable differences), by media- 1348 Louvain- tion is not legal or is being processed. ○ Rue Royale ○ Place Philippe ○ La-Neuve ○ Rue Auguste tion or by de facto separation. Whichev- ○ Sainte-Marie 70 ○ Werrie 16 ● T: 0475 72 13 72 Buisseret 24 There are different types of domestic 1030 Brussels ● er option is considered, there should be 1190 Brussels 4000 Liège ● T: 02 241 91 45 violence, such as physical and sexual ● T: 02 502 06 05 ● ● T: 04 253 06 15 a helpful address below. ● ● info@mariage ● ● ● T: 0498 41 41 97 violence (beatings, injuries and rape), Resolve family conflicts migration.org ● involving underage verbal and psychological (verbal abuse, CONSEQUENCES ON THE RIGHT NO INDIVIDUAL HELP! children (divorces, It provides information, F humiliation) but also administrative or OF RESIDENCE separations...) documentation and economic (prohibition of carrying out Interactes asbl guidance towards These consequences depend on the member organisations Defence of Divorce administrative procedures, confiscation ○ Avenue des ○ of the network. and Divorced timing of your divorce (or separation), Citronniers 22 of important documents). People – Limburg and the type of residence card you pos- 1020 Brussels Allô Info Familles (BGMK Relatie en These forms of violence can be exer- ●● T: 02 350 21 28 sess at that time. Generally speaking, the ●● T: 02 513 11 11 (Echt)scheiding) Mediation and family cised both by a spouse as well as any Hotline for anyone ○ Leopoldplein 50 Immigration Office (OE/IBZ) can with- therapy in case of a ○ facing difficulties and 3500 Hasselt other members of the family (so-called separation or divorce. draw the right of residence from people questions around ● T : 011 22 66 33 Help for conflict ● intrafamily violence) and can have seri- who obtained the permit on the basis of parenting and family ● T : 011 22 63 58 resolution. ● ous consequences, both for the victims family reunification, if they no longer ful- issues; anonymous ●● http://www.bgmk. listening service and org as well as their children. fil the conditions for obtaining it (espe- referral to appropriate ●● jacques.vandeput@ cially due to divorce or separation). services. skynet.be Before filing a complaint, we recom- Monday to Friday Legal, financial, mend hiring a lawyer specialising in As a matter of fact, the Immigration Of- from 10:00-17:00 and tax and psychological Mondays, Tuesdays support. immigration law or criminal law, and fice (OE/IBZ) has control possibilities and Thursdays Many other organisa- going through a service specialising in once the residence permit is granted, from 20:00-22:00 tions of the Flemish domestic violence (see useful address- which last for a period of 3 to 5 years, Region can help you es below). It is also important to see a depending on the legal basis of your in case of a divorce, separation, family doctor for a medical certificate proving right of stay. problems... Check their website: the abuse. But in case of domestic or intrafamily ●● https://www. desocialekaart.be/ violence, separation or divorce occur- zoek?who=echtschei- ring during the aforementioned period ding will not result in the removal of the res- idence permit. To find out what the risks for the resi- dence permit are in case of a separation and/or divorce, it is advisable to con- tact an organisation specialising in mi- grants’ rights, see the Directory of Bel- gian Migration Sector P.6
42 43 FAMILY FAMILY
FAMILIES WITH UNDERAGE BRU W SERVICE TRACING CHILDREN WITH ILLEGAL RESIDENCE
When the victim is undocumented, it is Domestic Centre for If you have lost loved ones at your arriv- For all families with at least one child violence hotline Prevention of strongly advised against filing a com- Domestic Violence al in Europe, the tracing service from the under the age of 6, the Youth Rights plaint directly with the police because ●● T : 0800 30 030 Red Cross can help you find them back. Service proposes a socio-legal drop-in FREEPHONE ○○ Avenue des Casernes 29 it may cause a detention in a detention Specialist service service for all aspects of daily life (edu- 1000 Brussels addressed to anyone BRU W centre (see THE Detention Centre ● T: 02 539 27 44 cation, housing, health ...) affected by domestic ● sheet P.75). violence and/or Open Doors We recommend to first seek advice intrafamily violence – Reception of Red Cross –Tracing Service BRU offering: a listening women in difficulty ○ Rue de Stalle 96 from a lawyer who can file the complaint service, administrative ○ ○ Rue du Boulet 30 1180 Brussels and welfare aid, ○ directly with the public prosecutor (see 1000 Brussels ● T: 02 371 31 58 ○ Rue Van Artevelde 155 counselling services for ● ○ ● T: 02 513 01 08 ● [email protected] 1000 Brussels Law Enforcement sheet P.73). individuals or couples, a ● ● When the situation is urgent and protec- support group (for Association women), and accom- 29 rue blanche - F W tion is needed as fast as possible, call modation for women Women’s Movement with or without 112, or 1712 in Flanders. At this point, ○ Rue Blanche 29 children (no age limit, ○ 1060 Brussels Red Cross Arlon Mons mentioning your undocumented “sta- confidential). ● T: 02 538 47 73 ● ○ Motstraat 40 ○ Grand-Rue 28 ○ Rue Tour Auberon tus” to the service is important in order This is not an emergen- ○ ○ ○ Garance asbl 2800 Mechelen (1er étage) 2A cy number but a for them to give you advice in full knowl- ● T : 015 44 35 22 6700 Arlon 7000 Mons number available from ○ Boulevard ● ○ ● T : 015 44 35 23 ● T: 063 23 40 56 ● T: 065 35 50 33 edge of your circumstances. Monday to Saturday du Jubilé 155 ● ● ● ●● [email protected] ●● [email protected] ●● [email protected] Before leaving your home, make sure from 9:00 - 19:00. 1080 Brussels ●● T: 02 216 61 16 Charleroi Namur you have important documents with ●● [email protected] ○○ Boulevard Audent 26 ○○ Rue du Beffroi 4 you (identity documents, bank card, 5e etage 5000 Namur 6000 Charleroi ● T: 081 22 89 11 birth certificate, marriage certificate...). F ● ●● T: 071 30 50 41 ●● [email protected] ● [email protected] From the moment you no longer live in ● Verviers CAW of CAW of Liège the marital home, you must inform the ○ Rue des Sottais 1 East-Flanders East-Flanders ○ ○ Rue Lambert le 4800 Verviers Immigration Office (OE/IBZ) and explain – Intrafamily – Refuge of Gent ○ Begue 23 ● T: 087 46 02 42 Violence / ● your situation. This will prevent the OE/ ○ Postbus 183 4000 Liege ● [email protected] Domestic Violence ○ ● IBZ from either taking away your resi- 9000 Gent ●● T: 04 222 91 20 dence permit, if you have one, or refus- ○○ Remparden 10 ●● T : 09 223 02 21 ●● [email protected] 9700 Oudenaarde ●● http://www. ing to grant you one, if your family reuni- ●● T: 055304632 cawoost fication procedure is still ongoing. ●● http://www. vlaanderen.be F cawoostvlaan ●● vluchthuis@ Do not hesitate to contact an organi- deren.be cawoost ●● onthaal.oude vlaanderen.be Centre for Social You will find contact naarde@cawoost Work - CAW (Cen- details and opening sation specialising in migrants’ rights. There are many other vlaanderen.be trum Algemeen hours of all CAWs of the organisations that They can provide information on resi- Welzijnswerk) Province of your choice can help you in case of see the Directory (Limburg, Antwerpen, dence rights in cases of domestic vio- domestic abuse. of Belgian Migration Flemish Brabant, Check out: lence within the context of family reuni- Sector P.8 East Flanders, West ● https://www. the Directory ● Flanders and fications for example. See desocialekaart.be/ On the website : Brussels-Capital of Belgian Migration Sector P.6 zoek?who=huiseli ● http://www.caw.be/ ● Region). jk%20geweld zoek-je-hulp
44 45 FAMILY
MENA THE MENA STATUS
VERIFYING THE MINORITY
MENA RIGHTS
RECEPTION OF MENA
LEGAL AID
BIM STATUS
THE CHANGES WHEN TURNING 18
46 MENA MENA
THE MENA STATUS BIM STATUS Any child under the age of 18, who is fication proving that someone is indeed In the interest of the MENA, they can A MENA is entitled to the insurance outside their country of origin and sep- underage. This practice is common, so also be hosted by a family member funds’ status of BIM, which among oth- arated from their parents or their guard- if you are found of age while you are in (uncle, aunt, brother, etc.) or a friend. er things enables them to obtain larger ian, is considered an Unaccompanied fact a minor, contact an organisation or Their allocated guardian is in charge of refunds for health care, a subscription to Minor Migrant (French: Mineur Étranger a lawyer (see P.49 of this sheet). undertaking this process. The guardian public transport at a reduced price, etc. Non Accompagné - MENA). Some chil- WARNING: To be recognised as cannot host a minor in their home. For more information, talk to your insur- dren are totally alone while others may MENA and be entitled to such re- LEGAL AID ance fund and/or your guardian. live with members of their extended ception, the minor must register at the Every MENA is entitled to free legal aid. FOR MENA WITH REFUGEE STATUT family (yet still qualify as MENA). Immigration Office (OE/IBZ). A sum- For any questions, please contact the The CPAS offer financial assistance to To qualify for this status, you must con- mons will then be sent. If the minor has specialist organisations and lawyers tact the Guardianship Service: no address, they should contact an or- refugees who have either been rec- listed below. ognised as MENA or have been granted ●● T: 078 15 43 24 ganisation or a lawyer. If the minor does ● [email protected] subsidiary protection (for a year, or lon- ● not present himself at the latest after Youth Rights Legal Aid Office Service of Brussels VERIFYING THE MINORITY ger, if subsidiary protection has been two summonses have been sent by the – MENA section Immigration Office (OE/IBZ), the minor Platform for Minors extended). The Guardianship Service identifies in Exile (FR - NL) ○○ Extension of the Justice Palace will lose the status of MENA. ○ Rue Van Artevelde a young migrant, which means that it ○ Rue des 155 Quatre Bras 19 checks whether the conditions are met 1000 Brussels MENA RIGHTS 1000 Brussels for the minor to be considered MENA. ●● T: 02 210 94 91 For MENA asylum seekers and those ●● mineursenexil@ FR: If there is a doubt about the age, the sdj.be ●● T: 02 519 85 59 who do not apply for asylum, material ●● http://www. ●● T: 02 508 66 57 Guardianship Service will conduct kindereno aid is offered via the centres which host In Flandres: medical tests, interviews, analysis of pdevlucht.be/fr/ minors. ●● T: 02 514 16 53 documents and collection of opinions A & A - Help and ●● [email protected] Assistance for RECEPTION OF MENA Open from: from social workers in the observation Unaccompanied Monday to Friday Minor Migrants and and guidance centres. from 8:30-10:00 and Regardless of their asylum seeking sta- their Guardians If the MENA is concluded to be under- tus, MENAs are firstly received at one of from 13:00-15:00 ●● [email protected] (the office closes on Wednesday and age, full support is carried on and a the two centres run by Fedasil, located A & A brings together Friday afternoons). guardian is appointed without delay. in Neder-over-Heembeek and Steenok- guardians who, as part of However, if they are found to be of age, kerzeel. In principle, the maximum dura- their search for durable NL: solutions for their wards, ●● T: 02 519 84 68 their support ends. An appeal against tion of stay at those centres is of 30 days are looking to source ●● BJB@ human, financial and baliebrussel.be this decision can be registered with the in order to process identification and material resources need- Office hours from ed to fulfil their mission. State Council (Conseil d’État - CE) with- the appointment of a guardian. Monday to Friday in 30 days of the notification. from 8:30-12:30 and After this, Fedasil directs the minor to a 13:30-16:00. The Immigration Office (OE/IBZ) uses structure for MENA managed either by Hotline opens from: a “medical age test” or “bone test” Fedasil or one of its partners. 13:00 onwards. though the results are not 100% reliable If the minor is not an asylum seeker, Fe- All organisations listed in (they can misjudge by a margin of up to the Directory of dasil directs them towards a centre run Belgian Migration two years, classifying someone as 18 by the Communities (French, Flemish or Sector P.6 years old instead of 16), despite identi- are also competent German). to provide information and advice 48 49 MENA MENA
WHAT CHANGES WHEN TURNING 18 EDUCATION RECEPTION AND ACCOMMODATION THE RIGHT OF RESIDENCE At age 18, compulsory schooling ends. Normally, when the MENA is hosted in a In practice, when the MENA reaches Schools can continue to educate young federal reception centre and they are no 18 years of age with a fixed term CIRÉ Approaching 18 years of age is always adults, but nothing forces them to do longer or not at all seeking asylum, they (work permit), their record is automat- a distressing period for MENA. Several so. In most cases, there will not be any will have to leave the centre at the age ically transferred to the department of changes take place around their tui- problem if a student continues their ed- of 18. However, in most cases they can “Long-term stay” at the Immigration Of- tion, accommodation, reception and ucation in the school where they were remain in the centre until the end of the fice (OE/IBZ). guardianship. already registered. But if a student has school year. When the MENA reaches 18 either with- to change schools for whatever reason, When the MENA is hosted in a recep- out a residence permit or with a pre- they will find it extremely difficult to find tion structure attached to the Communi- carious residency status (registration a school that will accept them. More- ties, all support from the “Youth Rights certificate), they automatically become over, once a student becomes an adult, service” or the “Comité voor Bijzondere an illegal resident. A person of age with free education is no longer guaranteed. Jeugdzorg” stops, once they reach 18 illegal residence is always at risk of be- He will therefore have to pay a tuition years of age. ing issued with an order to leave the fee. However, some schools have a so- territory and being held in a detention cial fund to help adult pupils with no in- IMPORTANT: Young people who received this assistance before centre at the borders for the purpose come. Talk to your school’s social work- of deportation (see Detention Centres er or a teacher whom you trust. reaching 18 years of age can continue to benefit from it until the age of 20 (in sheet P.75). IMPORTANT: Sometimes mobilis- the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels) A MENA who is either approaching 18 or ing students’ parents and teach- or 21 (in the Flemish Community), pro- has already turned 18, can always apply ers can help you continue your educa- vided they request it before turning 18. for a residence application for regulari- tion and carry out your administrative sation on the basis of Act 9 bis (see Main procedures. Procedures for Stay sheet P.11). You can contact:
MRAX ○○ Rue de la Poste 37. 1210 Brussels ●● T : 02 209 62 55 ●● T : 02 209 62 50 ●● T : 02 209 62 58
50 51 MENA
EDUCATION COMPULSORY EDUCATION
FRENCH EDUCATION
DUTCH EDUCATION
SCHOOLING FOR NEWLY ARRIVED MIGRANTS
OVERSEAS DEGREE EQUIVALENCY
52 53 EDUCATION EDUCATION
COMPULSORY EDUCATION FRENCH EDUCATION SCHOOL SUPPORT
Education is a Community competence. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation In Brussels, some municipalities have There are places to help you through- This means that there are organisational (FWB – Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles) their own registration service. You will out your children’s school time, such as differences between French and Dutch organises education (preschool, pri- find a freephone number on your munic- for the registration (if you do not speak institutions. Additionally, there are two mary, secondary and higher) in Brus- ipality’s website. French), or if your child is having prob- education networks in Belgium, the sels (the French-speaking part) and in To find out about available places in pre- lems in their schooling (exclusion from official network (public) and the free Wallonia. schools and primary schools: school, integration difficulties, disagree- network (faith-based). ments with the class council, etc.). FWB’s website: ●● http://www.placesecolesmaternelles etprimaires.cfwb.be/index.php?id= ● http://www.enseignement.be/index.php? For the whole of Belgium and the net- ● places_disponibles&no_cache=1 These are places to get information, page=25561&navi=3335 work, all minors (under 18) who live in To find the contacts of your nearest fa- advice and support on any schooling Belgium are obliged to attend school. REGISTRATION cilities of the official network: issues. With or without a residence permit, all In some municipalities it is difficult to ●● http://www.inscription.cfwb.be/index. In case of temporary or permanent ex- children must be enrolled in a school find a school for a first registration, so it php?id=sel1&no_cache=1 clusion from a school: from the age of 6. is very important that you start the pro- CAUTION: Registrations for subsi- General Directorate of cess several months in advance. Gener- dised schools from the Free Net- Compulsory Education ally, registration opens in December for work are done directly at the schools. ●● Madame Rusura the following school year. T: 02 690 88 93 ●● [email protected] To apply for the first year of “secondary” ●● Madame Montante school (for students who have obtained T: 02 690 84 97 ●● [email protected] the Certificate of Basic Studies CEB) call WARNING: A school cannot re- fuse to enrol a child in an irregular ONE – Department for School Duties the freephone: ●● T: 02 542 14 65 situation. Therefore, if you are at your in- ●● [email protected] ●● T: 0800 188 55 From Monday to Friday from: terview with the school’s head and they Psychological, Medical and 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30. Social centres (PMS) ● [email protected] refuse to register your child, they must ● The PMS Centre counts with psychologists (coun- ● http://www.inscription.cfwb.be/ ● give you a certificate. sellors and educational psychology assistants), social workers (social assistants) and nurses For applications for mainstream (paramedics) who work as a team. Additionally, preschool, primary and secondary each PMS centre also has a dedicated doctor schools, as well as for specialist nursery, attached to it. primary, secondary and Daspa schools To find a PMS centre near you: ●● T : 0800 20 000 see P.56 of this sheet ( ), and for stu- Infor Youth dents who have reached majority of age See Family sheet P.37 who, after submitting their equivalence of diplomas have been referred to sec- Youth Rights Service ondary education: See Family sheet P.37 General Directorate of Compulsory Education ●● Madame Rusura T : 02 690 88 93 ●● [email protected] ●● Madame Montante T : 02 690 84 97 ●● [email protected] 54 55 EDUCATION EDUCATION
SCHOOLING FOR DUTCH EDUCATION OVERSEAS DEGREE BRU W NEWLY ARRIVED MIGRANTS EQUIVALENCY The Flemish Education Authorities The definition of newly arrived includes Generally speaking and in order to The CIRÉ (Vlaamse Onderwijs) manage the Dutch any migrant who has been staying in validate a degree in Belgium that was See the Directory of Belgian Migration Sector education system. For any questions Belgium for less than three years, has obtained abroad, you must apply for a P.6 about education in the Flemish Com- a residence permit for more than three degree equivalency procedure. This munity such as knowing and being months and is registered in a municipal- procedure can be long and involve F accompanied through the registration ity’s Migrants Register. many stakeholders. We therefore procedures, managing a refusal of a There are mesures for reception and strongly recommend getting informa- National Academic Recognition registration by a school, or getting infor- schooling of newly arrived students tion from a competent organisation be- Information Centre mation on special education, call: – Flanders - Naric Flandre (Dispositif d’Accueil et de Scolarisa- fore taking any action. ○ Koning Albert II-laan 15 ● T: 1700 ○ ● 1210 Brussels ● T: 02 553 1700 tion des élèves Primo-Arrivants) in ● ● T : 02 553 17 00 ● http://onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/node/1949 ● ● education. This measures come in the ● [email protected] (in Dutch) ● shape of so-called DASPA classes. Re- ●● http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/naric/en/ REGISTRATION ception there is limited in time (from 1 index.htm Registration is done directly in the week to 18 months) and only applies to school of your choice. students in compulsory education who
EDUCATION SUPPORT arrived in Belgium less than a year ago. In the Flemish community, every school CAUTION: In theory, EU nation- provides an education support and als and binational children with guidance service with additional teach- one parent from the EU cannot be ing hours. enrolled in a DASPA class. However, some institutions agree to open their classrooms to European or binational children. To find a school with DASPA classes in Brussels or Wallonia: ●● http://www.enseignement.be/index.php/ index.php?page=23677&navi=117
56 57 EDUCATION
TRAINING TRAINING
THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION OR RECEPTION
LITERACY COURSES AND COURSES IN FRENCH/DUTCH AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE
APPENDIX
58 59 TRAINING TRAINING
THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION TRAINING F BRU OR RECEPTION If you wish to continue your educa- An educational institution can inde- The integration process varies, depend- DUTCH-SPEAKING tion, take further training or do an ap- pendently evaluate any degrees and ing on whether you are in Wallonia (CRI, The procedure is mandatory. prenticeship, you can apply for the licenses you gained in your home coun- Regional Integration Centre), in Flan- Education for Social Promotion (ESP) try. It does not grant official recognition ders (Inburgering), in Brussels within CONDITIONS programme. The minimum age varies of foreign titles, but determines, possi- the Dutch-speaking (BON), or within the Having held a residence permit for between education levels and may go bly after a test, at what level you can reg- French-speaking (BAPA) system. more than 3 months while having been as low as 15 years. The courses may ister as a pupil or student. in Belgium for less than 3 years.
be taught during the day or as evening CONTENT classes and the teaching is structured The educational institution can provide BRU you more information on the docu- - Reception - Information on the proce- around partnerships with the profes- FRENCH-SPEAKING sional world. ments to be submitted. This procedure dures of integration. via the educational institution is usually Non-mandatory process, but keep your- - Language assessment subject to payment. self informed because this is going to BRU W (French or Dutch language level). change. To search for a course: - Training for citizenship to understand To find an establishment of social pro- CONDITION ●● http://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/ the functioning of Belgium. motion and get to know the programmes onderwijs-en-wetenschap/onderwijsaanbod/ Having held a residence permit for on offer, visit the following link: een-school-opleiding-zoeken more than 3 months while having been - Assistance in the search of employ- ment or training. ●● http://enseignement.be/index.php?- The procedures are more hierarchical in Belgium for less than 3 years, and be page=26034 in Flanders. First of all, you will have to non-European. Training in Brussels BON (Bruxelles-Formation) contact the Flemish Service for Employ- CONTENT ment Research and Professional Edu- ○○ Rue de l’avenir 35 ○○ Bd Bischoffsheim 22-25 Support and guidance for any specific 1080 Molenbeek 1000 Brussels cation (VDAB). See the Employment ●● T: 02 501 66 80 ●● T: 0800 555 66 sheet P.67 requirements that may arise (administra- ●● www.bon.be ●● http://www.bruxellesformation.be/ tive monitoring, research of school for ●● [email protected] To register as a jobseeker: the children or for housing, applying for Bruxelles-Ville See the Employment sheet P.67 ○○ Rue Ph. De Champagne 23 diploma equivalency, searching a law- 1000 Brussels Wallonia Youth Info Federation yer, searching a psychologist, etc.) Anderlecht ○○ Rue Godefroid 20 5000 Namur ○○ Rue des déportés 1 ●● T: 081 98 08 16 VIA asbl 1070 Brussels ● [email protected] ● T: 02 563 52 52 ● ● Schaerbeek ●● www.via.brussels Brussels Youth Info ●● [email protected] ○○ Place Collignon 10 1030 Brussels ○○ Rue Van Artevelde 155 Via Schaerbeek 1000 Brussels ○ Rue Kessels 14 ● T : 02 514 41 11 ○ ● 1030 Schaerbeek ●● [email protected] Via Molenbeek ○○ Bvd Léopold II 170 1080 Molenbeek BAPA- BXL asbl ○○ Boulevard Anspach 1 / 24 1000 Brussels
60 61 TRAINING TRAINING
LITERACY COURSES AND W F COURSES IN FRENCH/DUTCH AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE The process is mandatory. For the region of Verviers Regional Same conditions as the Dutch-speaking Mons and Borinage Centre for Integra- CONDITIONS tion (CRVI) part of Brussels. Lots of organisations provide free litera- (Boussu, Colfontaine, Dour, Frameries, ○ Rue de Rome cy courses for people who cannot read Having held a residence permit for more ○ Gent Limburg Hensies, Honnelles, 174800 Verviers or write, as well as French-as-a-foreign- than 3 months and been in Belgium for Jurbise, Lens, Mons, ●● T : 087 35 35 20 ○○ Elfjulistraat 39C ○○ Universiteitslaan 3 language courses. The latter are for Quaregnon, Quévy, ●● www.crvi.be 9000 Gent H-Blok less than 3 years. Quiévrain, Saint-Ghis- ● T: 09 321 86 00 2de verdieping For the region ● people who learnt to read and write in lain, Tournai, Ath, 3500 Hasselt CONTENT of Liège Antwerpen their country of origin or elsewhere, and Brugelette, Bernissart, ●● T: 011 30 56 00 Beloeil, Chièvres, Municipalities of the ○ Brusselse- ○ Vlaams- Brabant would like to learn French or Dutch. - Reception - Information on the proce- Leuze-en-Hainaut, Liège province except poortstraat 8 dures of integration. Peruwelz, Antoing, all German-speaking 2800 Mechelen ●● T: 016 47 43 11 The courses are usually mixed but it is Brunehaut, Rumes) municipalities ● T: 015 28 18 30 ● West-Vlaanderen and those covered possible to find courses for women only. - Language assessment (French or Intercultural by the CRVI. ○ President Centre of Mons and ○ You can also find evening courses if you Dutch language level). Kennedypark 30 Borinage (CIMB) Regional Centre 8500 Kortrijk work. Some courses are more focused for the Integration - Training for citizenship to understand ○ Rue Grande 38 ● T: 056 74 21 50 ○ of foreign people ● on learning French or Dutch in a scholar the functioning of Belgium. 7330 Saint-Ghislain of Liege (CRIPEL) way, while others teach French or Dutch ●● T: 065 61 18 50 - Assistance in the search of employ- ●● [email protected] ○○ Place Xavier through practical workshops (cooking, ●● www.cimb.be Neujean 19B ment or training. 4000 Liège theatre, conversation groups, etc.). For the municipa- ● T : 04 220 01 20 lities of the ● ● secretariat@ Moreover, Actiris, Forem or VDAB often For the region For the province of Hainaut ● cripel.be of Namur Central region require jobseekers to present a certifi- Except the ones ●● www.cripel.be Namur Centre of (Anderlues, Binche, covered by the CeRAIC cate of registration and attendance of For the province Intercultural Action Braine-le-Comte, and IMC: of Walloon Brabant French classes in order to be eligible for (CAI Namur) Chapelle-les-Herlai- Charleroi Regional mont, Ecaussines, Regional Centre social integration benefits.A minimum ○ Rue Docteur Haibe 2 Centre for Integra- ○ Enghien, Estinnes, for Integration of 5002 Saint-Servais tion (CRIC) of 9 hours is typically required. In the La Louvière, Lessines, Walloon Brabant (Namur) Le Roeulx, Manage, ○ Rue Hanoteau 23 (CRIBW – Centre ré- context of a general lack of places for lit- ● T: 081 73 71 76 ○ ● Morlanwelz, 6060 Gilly gional d’Intégration eracy courses and a lack of jobs for the ●● www.cainamur.be Seneffe, Silly, Soignies, ●● T: 071 20 98 60 du Brabant wallon) For the region Merbes-le-Château, ● www.cricharleroi. less skilled, the organisation of “Lire et ● ○ Rue de l’Industrie of Luxembourg Erquelines, Estampuis, be ○ 17A. 1400 Nivelles Ecrire” has drafted a response example Pecq, Celles, Flobecq, CRILux Socio-legal aid by ● T : 067 33 15 69 Frasnes-lez-Anvaing, ● that you can download. appointment only. ● [email protected] ○ Rue de l’Ancienne Comines-Warneton, ● ○ ● www.cribw.be See Training’s Appendix 1 P.66 Gare 32 Mouscron, For the region ● 6800 Libramont Mont-de-l’Enclus, of Verviers Socio-legal hotline ● T: 061 21 22 07 Elezelles) (employment) : ● (Aubel, Baelen, Dison, ● [email protected] ● T : 0499 75 03 28 ● Central Region Herve, Jalhay, Lierneux, ● ● www.crilux.be ● Centre of Limbourg, Malmédy, Social counselling : These organisations do usually not Miroir Vagabond Intercultural Action Olne, Pepinster, ●● T : 067 33 15 69 asbl (CeRAIC) Plombières, Spa, require an identity document or a resi- Stavelot, Stoumont, ○ Vieille route de ○ Rue Dieudonné dence permit. ○ ○ Theux, Thimister-Cl- Marenne 2 François 43 ermont, Trois-Ponts, 6990 Bourdon 7100 Trivières Verviers, Waimes, ● T: 084 31 19 46 ● T: 064 23 86 56 ● ● Welkenraedt) ●● bureau@ ●● [email protected] miroirvagabond.be ●● www.ceraic.be
62 63 TRAINING TRAINING
LITERACY AND FRENCH-AS-A-FOREIGN-LANGUAGE COURSES LITERACY AND DUTCH-AS-A-FOREIGN-LANGUAGE COURSES The Flemish houses (Huizen van het Nederlands) will help you find appropriate BRU W courses.
Reading and Writing Alpha Collective Feminine Life Walloon Brabant BRU F (Lire et Ecrire asbl) asbl (Vie Féminine) ○○ Rue de Mons 10 1400 Nivelles ○ Rue de la Borne 14 Branch of Saint-Gilles Mouscron ○ ● T: 067 84 13 75 Brussels Jette Antwerpen Kortrijk 1080 Brussels ○ Rue Saint-Joseph 8 ● ○ Rue de Rome 2 ○ ● brabant-wallon@ ● T : 02 412 56 10 ○ 7700 Mouscron ● ○ Rue Philippe ○ Rue Leopold I 329 ○ Carnotstraat 110 ● T: 056 74 21 58 ● 1060 Brussels viefeminine.be ○ ○ ○ ● ● T: 056 33 41 27 De Champagne 23 1090 Brussels 2060 Antwerpen ● T: 0478 80 43 95 League of Learning ● T : 02 538 36 57 ● ● ● ● picarde@ Namur - Ciney 1000 Brussels ● T: 03 338 70 11 ● T: 0483 03 80 92 and Continuing ● Ixelles ● ● Branch in Forest viefeminine.be - Walcourt ● T: 02 501 66 60 ● atlas@ ● T: 0483 34 67 50 Education (LEEP) ● ● ● ○ Place l’Ilon, 17 ● info@huisneder ○ Avenue de la stad.antwerpen.be ○ Bd de la II° Armée Eupen ○ ● ○ Ieper ○ Rue de la ○ 5000 Namur landsbrussel.be Couronne 12-14 ○ Britannique 27 ○ Neuestrasse 59 Gent Fontaine 2 ○ ● T: 081 22 68 74 ● http://www. 1050 Brussels ● T: 0483 34 68 66 1190 Brussels 4700 Eupen ● ● ● 1000 Brussels ● namur@ huisnederlands ○ Kongostraat 42 ● T : 02 349 82 30 ● T: 087 55 54 18 ● ○ Vlaamsbrabant ● T : 02 514 26 01 ● ● viefeminine.be brussel.be/fr 9000 Gent ● ● frauenliga@ Feminine Life ● ● T: 09 265 78 40 ● T: 016 82 10 32 Evening viefeminine.be Reading and If you live in Brussels, ● ● ● T: 0470 25 20 91 language classes ○ Boulevard de Writing Charleroi you only need to pay Brugge ● ○ Huy - Waremme ● http://www. l’Abattoir 27/28 South Hainaut a registration fee ● ○ Rue Ernest Allard 49 - Ourthe-Amblève ● T: 050 34 88 05 huisvlaamsbrabant. ○ 1000 Brussels (Lire et Écrire asbl) of €40. You can also ● 1000 Brussels ○ Rue de Sélys ● T: 0478 80 44 52 be/en/adressen. ● T: 02 513 69 00 ○ use the language ● ● T: 02 513 06 82 ● Longchamps 84 ○ Rue de Marcinelle 42 ● T: 0483 34 67 17 htm ● ● bruxelles@ ○ vouchers from Actiris. ● ● 4300 Waremme 6000 Charleroi viefeminine.be ●● T: 019 32 30 57 ●● T : 071 30 36 19 ● waremme@ ● Centre Mons viefeminine.be Borinage asbl Charleroi-Thuin ○○ Place Communale 2A ○○ Rue de Montigny 46 7100 La Louvière 6000 Charleroi ●● T: 064 31 18 80 ● T: 071 32 13 17 ● Luxembourg asbl ● charleroi@ ● ○ Rue du Village viefeminine.be ○ 1A et B Centr’Hainaut 6800 Libramont ○○ Rue du Marché 6 ●● T: 061 41 44 92 7100 La Louvière Walloon Brabant, ● T : 064 23 80 47 ● Limelette, Nivelles, ● centrhainaut@ ● Ottignies, Tubize. viefeminine.be ○○ Boulevard des Liège - Seraing Archers 21 - Verviers 1400 Nivelles ○○ Rue Chevaufosse 72 ●● T: 067 84 09 46 4000-Liège Namur asbl ● T: 042 22 00 33 ● ○ Rue Relis ● liege@ ○ ● Namurwes 1 viefeminine.be 5000 Namur Luxembourg ●● T: 081 74 10 04. ○ Rue des Déportés 39 ○ Reception and promo- 6700 Arlon tion of Immigrants ● T: 063 22 56 25 ● (API – Accueil et promo- ● luxembourg@ ● tion des Immigrés) viefeminine.be ○○ Rue de la Providence 10 6030 Marchienne au Pont ●● T: 071 31 54 00
64 65 TRAINING
APPENDIX TRAINING 1
EMPLOY- MENT WORKING IN BELGIUM
WHO IS WHO?
ILLEGAL WORK
VOLUNTARY WORK
66 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
WHO IS WHO? WORKING IN BELGIUM L’ONEm/RVA TRADE UNIONS In order to work in Belgium, most for- Government agencies in charge of re- The National Employment OfficeA trade union is an association of peo- eigners must obtain a work permit (A, B viewing work permits are: (ONEm/RVA) is the federal public ser- ple that aims to defend the professional or C). Some are exempt from this permit, vice responsible for basic areas of and economic interests of its members such as EU citizens, recognised refu- Ministry of the Ministry of the social security: employment. It imple- (employees, labourers, managers, own- Brussels-Capital Flemish Community gees and foreigners with a permanent Region ments the unemployment fund. To find ers, independent professionals, benefi- Flemish Subsidy residence. Department of Agency for Work and your nearest branch of the ONEm/RVA, ciaries). It seeks to press claims for fair Employment Policy and Social Economy please call the headquarters : wages, decent working conditions and There are different types of work permits Plural Economy ○ Cel Migratie social benefits. Therefore, a union has depending on the job you want to carry ○ ONEm – headquarters ○○ Rue du Progrès 80 Koning Albert II the competence to advise you about out, the current residence permit you 1035 Brussels laan 35 bus 21 ○○ Boulevard de l’Empereur 7. 1000 Brussels hold, etc. ●● T: 02 204 13 99 1030 Brussels ●● T : 02/515 41 11 your rights, as well as about specific ●● F: 02 204 15 28 ●● T: 02 553 39 42 procedures to follow (dismissal, em- For your right to work according to your ●● http://www. ●● F: 02 553 44 22 ACTIRIS, THE FOREM AND THE VDAB werk-econo- ●● http://www.werk.be ployment and health, the right to strike, mie-emploi.irisnet. residence status, look up the ADDE Ministry of the These are the public bodies that are the be/fr/ pensions, unemployment, legal aid). sheet: German-speaking delegation offices for the employment Ministry of the Community ● http://www.adde.be/joomdoc/guides/ Some local branches of unions provide ● Walloon Region law in each of the following regions: Ac- sejour-et-droit-au-travail-etranger-mai14 ○○ Gospertstrasse 1 tiris for Brussels, Forem in the Walloon specialised legal services to migrant -g-aussems-pdf/download Department of 4700 Eupen workers with or without documents. employment and ●● T: 087 59 64 86 Region and the VDAB in Flanders. Their The “Migration-Integration Crossroad” training ●● F: 087 55 64 73 varied services include information on These services can guide and advise ●● http://www.dglive.be (Kruispunt Migratie-Integratie) has also ○○ Place de Wallonie 1 employment and further training, sup- you in employment law, and also in mi- made several Dutch sheets on this: 5100 Namur grants’ rights. ●● T: 081 33 31 11 port in searching employment, train- ●● http://www.kruispuntmi.be/thema/ ●● F: 081 33 43 22 ing opportunities and employment aid vreemdelingenrecht-internationaal ●● http://emploi. BRU W -privaatrecht/arbeidskaarten-beroepskaart wallonie.be (ACS, etc.), control for active research of employment. Last but not least, the “Life in Belgium” Confederation General Federation of Christian Unions of Work in Belgium For Brussels (Vivre en Belgique) guide contains sev- (CSC) – Migrants (FGTB) Liège – Mi- Actiris eral sheets on the more practical as- grants Service ●● T : 02 800 42 42 ○○ Rue Pletinckx 19 1000 Brussels ○ Place Saint-Paul 9-11 pects of the working world: For Wallonia ○ ●● T : 02 557 80 69 4000 Liège ●● http://www.vivreenbelgique.be/4-emploi Forem ●● T : 04 221 97 30 ●● T : 0800 93 947 (freephone) Open on Mondays Directo- from 9:30-12:00 Open on Tuesdays Both specialised organisations ( For Flanders from 14:00-16:30 ry of Belgian Migration Sector P.6 VDAB ) on the 8th floor as well as unions can provide informa- ●● T : 0800 30 700 (freephone) tion on work permits. F
Confederation of General Federation Christian Unions of Work in Belgium (ACV) – Asse (ABVV) – Aalst ○○ Steenweg 24 ○○ Houtmarkt 1 1730 Asse 9300 Aalst ●● http://www. ●● T : 053 78 78 78 acv-brussel.be ●● [email protected] ●● T: 02 557 88 88
68 69 EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
ILLEGAL WORK VOLUNTARY WORK
A work is deemed illegal when an em- Engaging in voluntary work for an or- The following organisations can pro- ployer hires someone who does not ganisation, collective or union, is a great vide information on the rules con- have a valid residence document or way to meet people who share similar cerning voluntary work, and guide work permit. Nevertheless, the illegal interests and values. you towards organisations looking for worker is not completely without rights. Many organisations in this guide func- volunteers: As a matter of fact, the law guarantees tion in part thanks to the work of volun- all workers (both documented and un- teers. Whatever your status, if you have BRU W F documented) some minimum rights: A free time and want to get involved, do minimum wage that may vary according Association for voluntary work Flemish support service not hesitate in contacting them to offer for voluntary work to the work area and which is usually your help. ○○ Rue Royale 11 set at €9,30 per hour, as well as decent 1000 Brussels ○○ Amerikalei 164 B1 Unlike a paid employee, a volunteer ●● T : 02 512 01 12 2000 Antwerpen working conditions (e.g. compliance ●● [email protected] ●● T: 03 218 59 01 with resting times or security measures, receives no salary. However, they may ●● http://www.levolontariat.be/ ●● http://vrijwilligerswerk.be/ or compensation in case of dismissal or receive a defrayal (=compensation for Bruxelles NL work accident). expenses), which must not exceed a Het Punt certain sum. For 2015, this amount was ○○ Rue de Laeken 76/6 Organisation for Illegal Immigrant Workers set at €32.71 per day with a maximum of 1000 Brussels (ORCA) (FR - NL) ●● T : 02 218 55 16 €1,308.38 per year. ●● [email protected] ○○ Rue Gaucheret 164 ●● http://www.hetpuntbrussel.be/ 1030 Brussels Since the 2014 Act, all migrants with le- ●● T : 02 274 14 31 ●● [email protected] gal residence have automatic access to ●● www.orcasite.be voluntary work. Asylum seekers should Hotline on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00-13:00 and inform their social worker in order to on Thursdays from 13:00-16:00 keep their daily allowance.
Undocumented migrants have in prin- ciple no right to enter a volunteering agreement. But unlike paid work, there is neither organised control nor inspec- tion against “clandestine volunteering”. So you do not normally put yourself in particular danger by doing voluntary work. Beware however that if there is remuneration this could be considered illegal work.
70 71 EMPLOYMENT
RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCE- MENT THE POLICE AND THE UNDOCUMENTED
POLICE VIOLENCE
72 RELATIONSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
The police are the guardian of law and ABOUT HOME VISITS public order, and police officers there- When one is undocumented, it can be fore serve to uphold the rule of law and difficult to know whether the police protect citizens. In particular, they pro- comes to your home for any odd reason vide security, engage others to respect or to actually carry out a deportation human rights and prosecute offenders. order. It is important that you know that the police has no right to force the door DETENTION THE POLICE AND of a home solely because an undocu- THE UNDOCUMENTED mented person lives there. In this case, CENTRES the police cannot force you to open the INTRODUCTION door but they can ask for it, and you are When you are undocumented, each free to agree or not. They can also de- VISITING ORGANISATIONS IN contact with the police can pose a risk of cide to wait outside the door. DETENTION CENTRES being arrested for illegal stay (24 hours To avoid that the police interpret the FAMILY DETENTION max.) and being transferred to a deten- opening of the door as an invitation to – HOUSES OF RETURN tion centre in order to be deported. enter, you can try to talk to them through Nevertheless, a series of situations can the closed door to find out about their MILITANT AND BENEVOLENT bring an undocumented person to intentions and figure out if it is a neigh- COLLECTIVES need the police, such as when they be- bourhood police officer or a team from come a victim or a witness, during one Awareness, Follow-up and Return of the neighbourhood police officer’s (SEFOR) willing to arrest you. visits, etc. We offer some advice on this matter further below. POLICE VIOLENCE
COMPLAINING WHEN ONE IS If you feel you have been wrongfully UNDOCUMENTED arrested or subjected to police vio- An undocumented person has the lence, please contact the hotline of the same right as any other citizen to file a League of Human Rights (LDH) on any lawsuit when they become a victim. De- morning between 10:00 and 12:00 on: pending on the situation, we advise un- ●● T: 02 209 62 80 documented migrants who wish to file Or else visit the website of the Ob- a lawsuit to consider being accompa- servatory of Belgian Police Violence nied (e.g. a close person who is a legal (ObsPol): resident, a social worker, etc.), or else ●● www.obspol.be proceed with a lawyer who, in case of (legal info and possibility to leave a tes- serious injury, will file a lawsuit directly timony). Telling your lawyer or an organ- to the hands of the investigating judge. isation specialising in migrants’ rights is also an important reflex!
74 DETENTION CENTRES DETENTION CENTRES
VISITING ORGANISATIONS FAMILY DETENTION MILITANT AND IN DETENTION CENTRES – HOUSES OF RETURN BENEVOLENT COLLECTIVES
A migrant may be held in a detention Families can in principle not be held in In Vottem Social Service of Aid to displaced centre pending deportation of Belgian a detention centre. Belgium has set up CRACPE territory for many reasons. This is a sit- Socialist Solidarity people (APD - aide so-called Houses of Return (Maisons de (SESO) aux personnes ●● T: 04 232 01 04 uation that the LDH has been denounc- déplacées) Retour), which have the same objective ●● cracpe.domainepublic.net ○○ Rue de Parme 28 ●● [email protected] ing for many years, as these detention 1060 Brussels ○○ Rue du Marché 33 as detention centres (carry out an evic- centres are a setting for many human ●● T: 02 533 39 84 4500 Huy tion from Belgian territory) but which Hotline from Monday to Friday from 17:00-18:00. ●● [email protected] ●● T: 085 21 34 81 Outside these hours, leave a message in order to be called back. rights violations. Jesuit Refugee Point d’Appui cater to families. Normally, these places Service Belgium Moral support and guidance for detainees, ○ Rue Maghin 33 are not closed, but in practice, the fami- In Belgium, there are 5 detention cen- (JRS) ○ by a benevolent godmother or godfather. tres and 2 areas called INAD (for “Inad- 4000 Liège lies’ freedom of movement is limited. ○○ Rue Maurice Liétart ●● T: 04 227 69 51 Provision of mobile phone top-ups. 31/9 ● www.pointdappui. missible Passengers”). ● For Houses of Return in Beauvechain, At the 127bis and at the Caricole 1150 Brussels be Tubize, Sint-Gillis-Waas, Tielt and Zulte: (Steenokkerzeel) We advise people who are in this situ- ●● T: 02 738 08 18 ●● www.jrsbelgium. Contact the Jesuit Refugee Service, Collective against Raids and Expulsions ation or know of someone being held org and for Regularisation (CRER) in a detention centre to request as- see P.76. Caritas Secours ●● T: 0499 10 47 26 sistance from organisations special- International ●● http://regularisation.canalblog.com/ ●● facebook.com/crer.regularisation ising in migrants’ rights (see below) ○○ Rue de la Charité 43 and to contact a lawyer. 1210 Brussels Benevolent visitors offer moral support ●● T: 02 229 36 11 and guidance. ● www.caritas-int.be KIT TRANSIT ● In all detention centres or Houses of Return ●● detentie-detention Information Kit on detention centres @caritasint.be Getting The Voice Out and the rights of people being held ●● T: 0484 02 67 81 ●● [email protected] there (2015) ●● http://www.gettingthevoiceout.org/ ●● https://www.cire.be/thematiques/ Collection of testimonials from detainees and enfermements-et-expulsions/kit-transit organisation for citizen’s action. -un-outil-d-information-sur -la-detention-en-centres-fermes
YOUR RIGHTS IN A DETENTION CENTRE To be assisted by a lawyer, access to adequate medical care and to be visited by an external doctor, to receive visits from your relatives or NGOs (see list be- low), etc.
76 77 MAP OF BELGIUM MAP OF BELGIUM
78 79 NOTES NOTES
80 81 NOTES NOTES
82 83 NOTES
84 EMERGENCY SERVICES
GENERAL FIRE BRIGADE HEALTH CARE ●● T : 112 ●● T : 100 Europe-wide, POLICE Accidents and AIDS Helpline emergency medical aggressions assistance ●● T : 101 ●● Freephone: ●● T : 112 0800 20 120 (24h/7d) EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION Monday to Friday from 18:00-21:00 Ambulance Samu Social Reception centre ●● T : 100 Infor Drugs Ariane (24h/7d) ●● Freephone: ●● T : 02 227 52 52 0800 99 340 ● T : 02 346 66 60 (24h/7d) ● SOS Rape (24h/24h) ●● T : 02 534 36 36 Red Cross LISTENING SERVICES Phone hotline: ●● T : 105 Monday to Friday (24h/7d) from 9:30- 17:00 Phone service Listening Service for Young People ●● In French: 107 Poison control ●● In Dutch: 106 ●● Freephone: 103 centre (24h/7d) (24h/7d) ●● T : 070 24 52 45 (24h/7d) Suicide prevention Listening Service for centre domestic violence ●● Freephone: ●● Freephone: 0800 32 123 0800 30 030 (24h/7d) Monday to Saturday from 9:00-19:00