The report presents data inter alia relating to asylum applications, top-ten nationalities of asylum applicants and top-40 countries of origin by main asylum regions. The data covers the first half of 2012 in comparison to the first half of 2011.

Belgium has postponed the registration of biometric data for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. The measure, announced by the Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, follows significant queues and operational disruptions at Brussels Airport. The decision affects the gradual implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and aims to ensure border checks can be conducted under acceptable conditions for passengers. 

As of 24 October 2024, the centre for registering applications for international protection is located at rue Belliard 68 in 1000 Brussels. Applications can still be registered in the Pacheco building until Wednesday, 23 October 2024.

The Immigration Office disclosed a new website aimed at informing applicants for international protection about the purpose and course of the registration. Each step of the process is explained in 16 languages via texts, audio, and videos. The website was co-funded by the European Union.

The latest statistics on asylum applications lodged in industrialized countries have been published today. The data covers the first half of 2012 in comparison to the first half of 2011.