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International protection
Asylum. The protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a refugee.
Isolation zone
A room or corridor at the reception centre where people must be kept separate for a minimum of 7 days. People in the isolation zone may not have any contact with other residents at the reception centre. This isolation (separation) is necessary in order to prevent other people from getting ill and to stop the coronavirus from spreading further.
Herd immunity
Herd immunity occurs when a large group of people build up resistance to a virus. This makes it harder for the virus to spread further.
Asylum
International protection. The protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a refugee.
Financial support
Offering help by giving money. For example, the CPAS/OCMW may decide to give you a living wage if you do not have sufficient means to live decently.
Annex 26 (quinquies)
The document you receive from the Immigration Office after lodging your application for international protection.
Lawyer
A lawyer is someone who can give you advice about your asylum procedure and other legal procedures. A lawyer can represent you and defend you in court.
LAO / BJB / BAJ
Legal Aid Office.
Language communities
Belgium has three official national languages: Dutch, French and German. Belgium is made up of 3 language communities: the Dutch-speaking Community, the French-speaking Community and the German-speaking Community.
Municipality
The municipality, the CPAS/OCMW and the police together form the local administration. You can go to the municipality for administrative matters: registration of a birth or marriage, or registering with the municipality, etc.
If you are recognised as a refugee and you do not yet have an income to rent a house and provide for yourself, you can ask for help from the CPAS/OCMW.
Do you have health problems that may complicate the interview? Talk about this with your social worker.
If you do not have valid residence papers, then you are without legal residency in Belgium. You do not receive any support from the government, and you are not allowed to work.
Have you found paid work? Together with your employer, you must sign an employment contract. Also inform your social worker, and join a health insurance scheme.
If you are unhappy due to worries, quarrels or difficulties in your family, there are services that can help you. Talk about your problems.
In Belgium, you are not allowed to smoke in public buildings, at work, in cafés and in the reception centre. You can however smoke on the street or on terraces.
If you follow vocational training, you will learn a (new) profession. For example, you will learn the basic skills to become an assistant cook, bricklayer or cleaner.
Due to a lack of reception places, Fedasil may not be able to examine your request for reception until later. Children, women and vulnerable people are given priority.
