Belgium
Belgium
In 2021, Belgium counted 25,971 asylum applications, most of which were submitted by people from Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine. In the same year, 10,093 people were recognised as refugees or received subsidiary protection.
UNHCR’s work in Belgium focuses on supporting authorities and organisations working with refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons. We seek to ensure that legislation, procedures, policies, and practices align with international protection standards. In addition, UNHCR runs awareness campaigns targeted at the general public to shine a light on the situation of refugees in Belgium and around the globe.
The UNHCR office was established in Brussels in 1952 - only one year after the Refugee Convention came into force.Additional information
For information about our work in Belgium:
Are you a refugee or asylum-seeker in Belgium? Find information about your rights and available services on our HELP site.
Visit the UNHCR Belgium websites for more information on our work in the area and the latest local news and stories.
For legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection, visit Refworld.