Material support
A new, simplified asylum procedure will also enter into force in the beginning of June, the two phases will be reduced to one. From now on the procedure should last maximum one year. Previously, asylum seekers could apply for financial support from social welfare centers. This has changed now. As of now asylum seekers are only entitled to material support during the entire asylum procedure.

Reception in steps
In the past asylum seekers were referred to a reception centre or to an individual reception structure, depending on the available space on the day they applied for asylum. This too has changed. Asylum seekers will henceforth first stay in a collective reception structure (an open reception centre) for four months. Then they can move to an individual reception structure (private housing). The aim is to spare asylum seekers, and certainly families with children, from having to stay too long in a centre. Fedasil coordinates all these reception structures and supervises its quality.

Right to information
The new law also stipulates that asylum seekers must be informed about their rights and obligations. For this purpose Fedasil has produced a brochure in ten languages. As of 1 June 2007 the dispatching service will give this brochure to each new asylum seeker. The brochure consists out of ten information sheets. Each reception centre completes this brochure with its own housekeeping regulations.

European directive
The reception act puts the European Council Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 for laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers into Belgian law. In most cases, the law confirms the existing practice in Belgium. The reception act is intended to ensure uniform and equal treatment for asylum seekers. Vulnerable groups (minors, pregnant women, etc.) are paid special attention to, so that the reception is adjusted to their personal situation.