On 23 October, Maggie De Block answered many questions inter alia related to the European platform for the repatriation of unaccompanied minors (ERPUM).

On 28 September 2012 a call for proposals was published in the Belgian Official Gazette, making available resources provided for voluntary return in the annual program 2012.

The law of January 19, 2012 introduced the concept of a “return track” for asylum seekers, a framework for individual counseling on return, offered by the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil). New instructions implement this return track in the reception centres.

The statistical data up till the month June on assisted voluntary return (REAB) are available. In June 410 people voluntarily returned to their country of origin, bringing the total for the first six months of 2012 to 1990.

The annual report of the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) has been launced. Fedasil updates you on the voluntary return program that it runs as well as the reception situation and network in 2011.

The new Belgian Law of January 19, 2012 (published on 17 February 2012) transposes the EU Return Directive, modifying the current legal framework on removal and detention, and putting more emphasis on voluntary departure.

A new research platform on return migration and reintegration: The Return migration and Development Platform (RDP) has been launched.