The asylum process for unaccompanied minors consists of three phases: initial assessment in an orientation center, placement in a reception center, and eventual transition to ILA for those over 15 who gain refugee status.

However, one-third of the applicants in 2024 have been denied the right to remain in Belgium, complicating their situation further.

Additionally, approximately 3,500 unaccompanied minors remain unaccounted for, potentially falling victim to exploitation and criminal networks due to their distrust of the system or lack of resources.

In October 2024 alone, 303 unaccompanied foreign minors, primarily young men from Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea, sought refugee status in Belgium.

In response to the overwhelming demand for housing, a consortium of humanitarian organizations is urging authorities to increase emergency housing availability, as over half of the 521 families seeking accommodation this year have been unable to secure placements.

Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 1,308 minors have applied for asylum in Belgium, marking a decrease from previous years, including 1,580 in 2023 and over 2,300 in 2022.

Among these applications, there has been a notable increase in requests from minors under 15, with 461 applications highlighting the inadequacy of youth facilities to accommodate them.

Belgium's asylum policy is currently facing systemic challenges, including a lack of flexibility to adapt to changing immigration patterns driven by global conflicts.

This situation has led to a significant backlog, with some minors waiting 4 to 6 months for placement in local accommodation initiatives (ILA), resulting in inadequate living conditions in collective centers.

Currently, 300 unaccompanied minors are on waiting lists for ILA placements, a situation exacerbated by local municipalities' inaction regarding available housing.

The ILA program, which is managed by local social services and private associations, aims to support youths in becoming independent by age 18, offering assistance with administrative tasks, education, and daily living skills.