On 1 June 2021, the Immigration Office established its new department, "Alternatives to detention", in response to both the September 2020 Government agreement and the recommendations of the Bossuyt Commission. As the name already indicates, this department's primary responsibility is to develop and implement alternative solutions to detention, mainly by creating Individual Case Management (ICAM) coaching programs.
In practical terms, these coaching programs involve individuals and families in irregular stay. These people receive an invitation to meet with a coach in their region. The purpose of these meetings is to provide customized individual guidance. Throughout a series of interviews, the different legal and administrative aspects of an individual's case are thoroughly discussed, and the coach actively aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The individual's input is valued, and the coach examines the file for missing elements. The coach's role is to provide those concerned with additional information and steer them toward a sustainable solution.
In follow-up interviews, the coach will communicate his conclusions and provide additional information:
- Suppose there is a potential opportunity for the individual to attain legal residency. In that case, the ICAM coach will provide them with accurate and essential information about the possibilities and an explanation of the required procedure. Subsequently, the individuals are responsible for taking the necessary steps to initiate the application themselves.
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In cases where, following a comprehensive assessment, legal residency does not seem viable, the ICAM coach will openly and transparently present all conceivable alternatives to prevent a forced return. Initially, comprehensive details concerning voluntary return will be shared, and if the individual consents, they will be directed to .
- In situations where neither legal residency is attainable, nor the individual expresses a desire to engage in voluntary return during the interviews, the ICAM coach will elaborate on the consequences of this decision. At this point, the ICAM coach will end the coaching process. The ICAM coach will explicitly clarify that by opting for this path, the individual risks forced return and potentially even receiving an .
Usually, people eligible for ICAM coaching receive an invitation to contact them. You can also make an appointment with an ICAM coach if you have questions or need specific information about your administrative situation. You can get the department at the email address or telephone number below.
Contact : Alternatives to Detention (ATD)
Email : icamsupport [at] ibz.fgov.be
Tel. : 02/488.97.77
You can visit an ICAM-coach without an appointment on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm in the following locations:
- Brussels: Boulevard Pachéco 44, 1000 Brussels
- Antwerp: Italiëlei 4/bus 1, 2000 Antwerpen
- Liège: Rue de Fragnée 2, 4000 Liège
Our offices in Belgium
Core values
Counseling program
The department is co-funded by the European Union.