Female genital mutilation

You have fled your country of origin because you fear you will be subjected to genital mutilation. You can apply for international protection in Belgium.

Female genital mutilation is illegal in Belgium. The police will be notified if it is established that a girl has been the victim of genital mutilation in Belgium.

Applying for international protection

The CGRS (CGRA/CGVS) will handle your application. The CGRS will analyse your personal situation and the situation in your country of origin. The CGRS can give you refugee status.

Your daughter has received the refugee status because of the risk of genital mutilation?

When you daughter has received the refugee status, you as a parent can submit an application for humanitarian regularisation (9bis) with the municipality where you live. 

If your application is approved, you will get a residence permit so you can live together with your daughter in Belgium.

Inquiry by the CGRS

After your daughter has received the refugee status, the CGRS checks whether your daughter is not subjected to genital mutilation in Belgium.

The parents must sign a written statement that states their daughter will not undergo genital mutilation.

You need to send a medical certificate to the CGRS every year.

The certificate must confirm that your daughter has not been subject to genital mutilation.

If your daughter has been subject to genital mutilation, the CGRS can withdraw your refugee status.

Video 'Female genital mutilation' (Access)