QUARTERLY REPORT JULY - SEPTEMBER 2026

This report is based on observations by Startpunt and aims to
highlight their work, describe the situation in the field and outline the challenges faced by applicants of
international protection.

Startpunt is a field team of Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen that provides socio-legal
information to applicants for international protection on their arrival in Belgium. The team is
present on a daily basis at the registration centre (Belliardstraat 68) and at the interview location of the
Immigration Office (IO) (Cube - Pachecolaan 44). At the Legal Helpdesk (LHD), Startpunt, in
collaboration with the Brussels Bar Association, provides information to applicants three times a week
and facilitates access to legal aid. The team consists mostly of volunteers who speak a wide variety of
languages. Startpunt monitors the situation on the ground and gathers signals which serve as a basis
for Vluchtelingenwerk’s policy work.