Belgium to boost support for Syrians who return home voluntarily
Belgium’s minister for Asylum and Migration has announced plans to encourage Syrians to return to their home country by increasing reintegration support.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of an informal EU Justice and Home Affairs meeting in Cyprus, Anneleen Van Bossuyt of N-VA said that voluntary return was now more realistic, as the Assad regime has been out of power for more than a year. The return of Syrians and Afghans is on the meeting’s agenda.
Under the plan, Syrians who choose to return voluntarily will receive higher reintegration support. This is not cash, but practical help in Syria, such as support with housing, training, medical care or starting a small business. The support is arranged with partner organisations and is partly funded by the EU.
The amount depends on how quickly people decide to return. Syrians still in an asylum procedure can receive up to 5,000 euros. The longer they stay in the system, the lower the amount becomes. Those currently in Belgium illegally can receive up to 3,000 euros.
Van Bossuyt said the policy would help people rebuild their lives while reducing costs for Belgium. She added that forced returns would continue for those who refuse to cooperate, with a focus on offenders and illegal residents.
Asylum and Migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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