In Belgium, applicants for international protection are allowed to work four months after submitting their application for international protection. Many applicants want to work and find their place in the job market. The Belgian law provides for a contribution system according to which people who carry out paid work are expected to contribute to the real costs of reception.

A Royal Decree from 16 April 2024, published in he Belgian Official Gazette on 19 June 2024, clarifies the granting of material assistance to applicants for international protection benefiting from professional income and other categories of income. It replaces the Royal Decree from 12 January 2011 which was inadequate in terms of control and sanction to ensure correct collection of contributions.

In a press release, Fedasil presents the system as clear and fair: people on low incomes must pay a low contribution while the contribution is slightly higher for those who work a lot. Those who do not wish to contribute may consider staying outside the reception centre. They are free to leave the centre and find their own accommodation. All residents of the reception centres have been widely informed of these measures through a dedicated website explaining the system in 14 languages.

For further information, please read the press release from Fedasil in French or in Dutch.