Processing of Iranian applications for international protection is temporarily suspended in Belgium
The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGVS) announced on 15 January 2026 that it is temporarily suspending the processing of applications for international protection from Iranian nationals. The CGVS stated that, given the current situation in Iran and the difficulty in obtaining sufficiently reliable and up-to-date information, it is currently unable to assess the need for protection accurately.
Interviews that have already been scheduled will still take place, but no new interviews will be planned for the time being.
The CGVS emphasised that this suspension is temporary and will remain in effect until it can obtain objective information to evaluate the security situation in Iran and the risk of persecution.
For further information, please read the press release from the CGVS.