From 16 months to 3: fast-track project aims to significantly shorten asylum procedures

Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt is launching a pilot project at Ariane, a Red Cross reception centre. Initially, the centre will provide accommodation for 200 asylum seekers whose chances of being granted protection are considered low. The aim is to speed up the processing of their cases, reduce the time they spend in reception facilities and, where appropriate, facilitate a quicker return to their country of origin.

“Those who genuinely need protection will receive it. But people with little chance of being granted protection should not be left in limbo for months, nor should they remain in reception facilities longer than necessary,” said Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Closer cooperation between all services involved

The new fast-track project will bring all relevant authorities and organisations into closer alignment. The Immigration Office will be responsible for registering applications, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons will assess protection claims, and the Council for Alien Law Litigation will handle any appeals. Fedasil and the Immigration Office will provide guidance and support for voluntary return. Reception at the Ariane centre will be managed by Red Cross Flanders.

“With this fast-track project, we are bringing asylum procedures, reception and return policies closer together. It is fairer for the people concerned, less costly for taxpayers, more efficient for our services and essential if we want to reduce pressure on the reception system as a whole,” Van Bossuyt said.

A complete asylum procedure in three months

The pilot project is designed to ensure faster and more efficient processing of asylum cases. From day one, participants will also receive intensive guidance aimed at facilitating a swift return where necessary. The goal is to complete the entire asylum procedure within three months.

This represents a major acceleration, as the average asylum procedure currently takes around 16.5 months.

Following the initial trial phase in the coming months, the government will assess the possibilities for further rollout and expansion.

In line with the European Pact on Migration and Asylum

The project is also fully aligned with the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. The pact likewise provides for accelerated procedures at the EU’s external borders for applicants from countries with a protection recognition rate of 20% or lower.

“The approach we are implementing at Ariane is a logical next step towards a more efficient and more robust asylum policy. We are sending a clear message: applying for asylum in Belgium makes no sense when the motivation is purely economic, for example,” the minister concluded.