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 . 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.
-
When legal residency appears unfeasible after a thorough assessment, the ICAM coach will clearly and transparently outline all possible alternatives to avoid a forced return. Initially, useful information will be provided regarding a (voluntary) return, and interested individuals will be directed to the relevant partners if necessary.
- When neither legal residency nor the individual wishes to return voluntarily during the interviews is possible, the ICAM coach will explain the consequences of this decision. At this point, the ICAM coach will end the coaching process. The coach will clearly explain that by choosing this option, 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.