The availability of reception places for asylum seekers via Local Reception Initiatives (ILA) has decreased by more than 30% since 2021, according to figures from Belgian asylum reception agency Fedasil.
ILAs are individual housing units generally provided by the local Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS). These initiatives supplement collective reception centres, providing asylum seekers with material assistance while their procedure is ongoing.
On 1 January 2021, Belgium had 5,955 places in ILAs. By 1 January 2025, there were only 4,115 places available. Flemish Groen MP, Matti Vandemaele, criticised this decline: "Small-scale housing is more humane, cheaper and currently essential to address the reception crisis."
However, outgoing State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor (CD&V) disagreed. "Local initiatives are not the magic solution to the housing crisis, as some claim. They are often not cheaper than places in larger centres."
De Moor's priority, she stated, has been to care for families with children, requiring larger centres. "Municipalities face a severe housing shortage, making it impossible for many to provide these places. I have always favoured dialogue over obligation. The municipalities know best what they can manage," she added.
She hopes the next government can take measures to control migration more effectively.
