Code: AMIF-060-086
Project duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2024
Budget: € 5,139,366.07 (€ 3,854,524.55 by AMIF & € 1,284,841.52 by the national budget)
Context and objectives
Return coaching aims to meet the demand from the government, civil society and the EU to do more work on alternatives to detention, in order to avoid that certain categories of foreigners and people in illegal residence are unnecessarily detained before a return decision is enforced.
ICAM
Within this coaching programme, the intended target groups are expanded. The focus is no longer only on families with minor children, but also on individual foreign nationals residing at a known address. This may be in a private home or a reception structure (such as Fedasil's open return places). In addition, persons who are intercepted by the police and who (often) do not have a known address (but for whom detention with a view to forced removal is not proceeded) also belong to the target group.
On 1 June 2021, a new department responsible for this new approach was set up within the Immigration Department (DVZ): the Alternatives to Detention Department (ATD). This department is still in the start-up phase and is responsible for developing and applying alternative measures to avoid detention for persons in unlawful residence. As the main measure, persons in unlawful residence are guided towards a sustainable future perspective by the ICAM coaches of this department. In this regard, ICAM stands for Individual Case Management. This guidance perspective focuses on stimulating active participation and tailor-made coaching per target group, with special attention to vulnerable profiles.
Individuals who have been issued an "order to leave the territory" (BGV) are encouraged to reach out to an ICAM coach for intensive coaching aimed at fostering a sustainable and future-proof perspective. This is facilitated either through scheduled appointments at specific times for individuals with a permanent address or through the organization of walk-in moments for those without a permanent address.
In the three largest regions, namely Brussels, Liège and Antwerp, an open walk-in moments is organised every Wednesday morning. During this time, people can apply spontaneously to start a counselling ICAM programme. In addition, people can always contact the ICAM support line by phone or e-mail to request a counselling ICAM programme.
During the interviews, the ICAM coach discusses the legal-administrative residence situation with the person concerned and provides additional information about his/her individual file. If, after a thorough analysis, it appears that there are no further possibilities for residence, the ICAM coach presents the possible options for voluntary return and provides useful information in this regard. If cooperation is refused, the person will be informed about the possibility of forced return.
In the context of an effective high-performance support policy, it is imperative that ICAM coaches are physically stationed in major and central cities at diverse locations. To facilitate this regional contact points (ICAM offices) were established in all provinces to provide that orientation and guidance close to the people. Currently, there are 43 contact points spread across 21 locations.
For an effective high-performance support policy to succeed, an overall coordinated approach is required between the federal administrations (Fedasil and DVZ), city services (municipalities, social work support, police) and civil society organisations. The department is building a network of both internal and external partners by building knowledge sharing and sustainable cooperation in the field, taking into account each organisational mission.
FITT
In October 2008, the initiative to provide accommodation for families with minor children who have exhausted all legal remedies in open housing units instead of closed detention centers was initiated. Given the positive evaluations of the project over the years (both internally and externally) it should continue to evolve to ensure the return of as many individuals as possible from this vulnerable group in the most humane manner possible. There are currently 28 housing units available. Both improved living conditions and supervision (coaches) are needed to achieve better (voluntary) return figures.
The residential units are the safety net and final element of a humane return policy that focuses on raising awareness and expert follow-up. Reception, guidance and reintegration of families with minor children to their country of origin or a third country, through a holistic approach is key.
Families with minor children who have to comply with an expulsion measure, either because they have to return to their country of origin (no valid residence permit) or have to return to a third (European) country because this country is competent for their procedures (Dublin agreement or bilateral agreement), need, for the sake of the minor children (vulnerable group), adapted return assistance in Belgium as well as in the other country. In Belgium, families with minor children who have exhausted all legal remedies are therefore no longer accommodated in closed centres but in private residences with their own status. This is in full compliance with ECHR and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Here, they are intensively guided by coaches towards their return. At each stage of counselling, the family is made aware of the possibility of returning voluntarily. If they do not comply, forced return can be proceeded with. The objective is to accommodate the families in the most humane way possible, guide them to return and possibly reintegrate them in their country of origin.
(version 4th of March 2024)