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Agreement signed to help get Brussels' asylum seekers working

21:44 17/04/2021

The Brussels employment service Actiris and Fedasil, the federal institution responsible for the reception of asylum seekers, have signed a cooperation agreement to help asylum seekers find jobs. Similar agreements already exist between Fedasil and the VDAB in Flanders and Forem in Wallonia.

By improving cooperation and communication between the two organisations, the agreement states it will "support the social and professional integration of asylum seekers into the Brussels-Capital region".

Asylum seekers will not only receive tips about the labour market and the services of Actiris, but will also receive career guidance.

If prospective refugees are brought into contact with Actiris at an early stage, they can be more quickly involved in the labour market if they have obtained legal status, explains Brussels work minister Bernard Clerfayt.

Asylum seekers who were granted protection status or who applied for international protection at least four months ago and are awaiting a decision are also eligible for the project.

"Everyone who comes here has skills," said state secretary for asylum and migration Sammy Mahdi. "Whether people are allowed to stay or not, they should be able to use those skills. Waiting for a yes or no will not benefit anyone. Whoever works contributes."

Written by Richard Harris