Becoming a sponsor is a rewarding opportunity to support refugees in finding a home and adapting to a new community. It empowers refugees to rebuild their lives while fostering welcoming societies. Sponsors also gain personal fulfilment and mutual learning experiences, creating stronger, more inclusive communities.

To become a sponsor, follow these steps:

• Form a Sponsor Group: gather 3–5 individuals (or more) to create a diverse and reliable team. Including members who share cultural backgrounds with refugees can improve support and cultural understanding;
• Register your group: submit your application via the RISE platform, providing details about your team’s experience, motivation, and specific training needs;
• Await contact: after registering, the IOM team will guide you through the next steps, including training and matching.

A Sponsor Group consists of 3–5 volunteers (or more) who know the local area well and are willing to dedicate time to supporting refugees.

A diverse group with varied skills and cultural experiences enhances support.

Team members can be friends, colleagues, neighbours, or family members who are motivated to help.

Register the group via the Registration form below, ensuring the application is detailed for better matching with refugee profiles.

Being part of a group ensures shared responsibilities, reducing individual burden and improving outcomes for both sponsors and refugees. If you don’t have a group, contact IOM for assistance in joining an existing group.

Matching occurs in several steps:

• Refugees are selected by UNHCR and assessed by Fedasil for resettlement;
• Refugees undergo pre-departure medical and social interviews and participate in orientation training to prepare for life in Belgium;
• Fedasil evaluates Sponsor Groups and matches refugees based on compatibility, needs, and location;
• IOM facilitates the final matching process, maintaining confidentiality until decisions are confirmed.

Resettlement is the voluntary, safe, and regulated transfer of refugees from one country to another, where the receiving country has agreed to admit them as refugees with permanent residence status.

It is intended as a long-term solution for people in need of international protection.  UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is in charge of identifying refugees that are potentially in need of resettlement.

People who enter CS are resettled refugees identified by UNHCR as ‘among the most vulnerable’ due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. They arrive through resettlement programs.

Vulnerable groups include:

• Women and children at risk;
• Elderly individuals or those with disabilities or medical conditions;
• Survivors of violence or torture;
• Minority group members or those persecuted for their religion, ethnicity, politics, or sexual orientation.

Before arriving in Belgium, refugees:

• Participate in medical and social assessments organized by Fedasil;
• Attend BELCO training, a four-day program covering key topics like housing, education, employment, and Belgian culture.

After their arrival in Belgium, a follow-up training is given (BELCO+) to help them further settle into their new environment.

Once registered, IOM Belgium and Luxembourg will:

• Provide detailed information about your role, expectations, and support systems;
• Facilitate onboarding training to prepare your group for sponsorship;
• Work with Fedasil to match your group with a resettled refugee or family based on compatibility, needs, and location;
• Share cultural and logistical information about the matched refugee(s) to help you provide effective support.

Yes. Sponsors can contribute in other ways, such as helping refugees connect with landlords or offering guidance and emotional support throughout the integration process.

Sponsor Groups handle initial expenses, including:

• Housing deposits, first months’ rents, and utilities;
• Furniture and essential household items;
• Initial living costs such as food and transportation;
• After 4-6 weeks, resettled refugees begin receiving social integration income (RIS) to cover their ongoing needs.

Sponsor Groups receive onboarding training from IOM, covering:

• Sponsorship roles, expectations, and responsibilities;
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity training;
• Practical guidance for providing housing and integration support;
• Resources for addressing challenges and empowering refugees.

Collaboration challenges can typically be resolved through communication.

If issues persist:

• Contact the IOM Belgium team at the support channels provided during onboarding;
• All complaints are handled confidentially and with diligence to ensure fairness for all parties involved.

IOM offers comprehensive support, including:

• Training and toolkits for smoother communication with refugees;
• Regular check-ins during the sponsorship year;
• Help desk and peer support networks for advice and problem-solving;
• Guidance on cultural and practical challenges to ensure successful integration.

For assistance, contact IOM Belgium and Luxembourg’s Community Sponsorship team via email or phone. Sponsors can also join peer support groups, such as dedicated Facebook communities, to exchange tips and experiences.

In case of misconduct people can contact IOMBrusselsCOfeedback@iom.int.

Explore housing options on the PATHS platform (due to be launched later in 2025) or consult the RISE services map. Sponsors can also collaborate with landlords or local contacts to secure accommodations.

Housing must:

• Be affordable, allowing refugees to cover costs while meeting other basic needs;
• Provide adequate space, essential utilities (electricity, water, heating), and be free from hazards;
• Be located near schools, healthcare, public transportation, and other essential services (if possible);
• Comply with local building codes and accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities;
• Include secure tenancy agreements that ensure stability and legal protection.