Community Sponsorship makes the integration process smoother and more efficient by:

• Providing a support network: sponsors help refugees navigate administrative tasks, overcome language barriers, and connect with local communities;
• Assisting with housing: sponsors help locate safe and affordable housing, a critical step for stability and integration;
• Offering advocacy and guidance: sponsors act as cultural guides and advocates, ensuring refugees receive fair treatment and access to opportunities;
• Enhancing outcomes: refugees with dedicated sponsor support achieve faster and better integration results, feeling more confident and secure in their new environment.

Sponsorship typically lasts one year. During this time, sponsors provide practical, emotional, and cultural support to help refugees integrate.

After the official sponsorship period ends, many sponsors and refugees choose to maintaininformal relationships, such as friendships or mentorships.

Community Sponsorship in Belgium is designed for resettled refugees selected by the UNRefugee Agency (UNHCR), based on their vulnerability. Eligible individuals often include those displaced due to conflict, persecution, or other crises.

Refugees under international or temporary protection but not resettled through UNHCR can access support through local integration services, as detailed in the RISE mapping of local actors.

The matching process involves:

• UNHCR selection: refugees are identified and recommended for resettlement by the UN Refugee Agency;
• Preparation: refugees undergo medical and social interviews, as well as BELCO orientation, where they learn about life in Belgium;
• Sponsor group evaluation: Fedasil assesses Sponsor Groups, considering their location, housing capacity, and compatibility with refugee profiles;
• Confidential discussion: Fedasil collaborates with IOM Belgium and Luxembourg to determine eligibility and match refugees with appropriate groups;
• Finalization: refugees are introduced to Sponsor Groups, and the necessary arrangements are made for their travel and settlement;
• Important: refugees provide their informed consent for both resettlement and participation in the Community Sponsorship program.

Safe and decent housing is essential for integration and must meet the following criteria:

• Affordability: costs should be manageable, allowing refugees to budget for other necessities;
• Adequate space and utilities: housing must have sufficient space for the family size, access to heating, electricity, and clean water, and include functional kitchen and bathroom facilities;
• Safety and compliance: housing should meet building and fire safety codes, be free of hazards, and provide clean drinking water and sanitation;
• Accessibility: for refugees with disabilities or elderly individuals, housing should accommodate specific needs, such as wheelchair access;
• Proximity to services: Housing should be near schools, healthcare, public transport, and other essential services (if possible);
• Security of tenure: Leases should ensure stability and follow legal and ethical standards, including anti-discrimination policies.

No, you can’t register yourself to receive Community Sponsorship. In Belgium, at current times, Sponsorship is a program targeted at resettled refugees only. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, selects the persons that are eligible for resettlement. Fedasil identifies the persons who would be eligible to join a Sponsorship scheme.

Refugees undergo a comprehensive preparation process, including:

• Pre-departure medical and social assessments: Organized by Fedasil to identify needs and prepare for integration;
• BELCO orientation program: a four-day cultural and practical training covering key aspects of life in Belgium, such as:
  • housing;
  • education;
  • employment;
  • healthcare;
  • Cultural norms and expectations.

N.B. After their arrival in Belgium, a follow-up training is given (BELCO+) to help refugees furthersettle into their new environment.

Sponsor Groups receive onboarding training provided by IOM, which includes:

• Program overview: detailed guidance on Community Sponsorship, roles, and responsibilities;
• Cultural awareness: training to help sponsors understand and manage cultural differences and expectations;
• Practical tools: tips for handling housing arrangements, administrative procedures, and emotional support;
• Specialized guidance: information on refugees’ countries of origin and unique needs to empower groups to provide effective assistance.

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.

Throughout the sponsorship year, IOM provides:

• Training: all Sponsors receive training for smoother communication with refugees;
• Regular check-ins: three formal follow-ups to evaluate progress and address challenges;
• Help desk: direct assistance for sponsors needing guidance;
• Peer support: online communities, such as Facebook groups.

Sponsor group members can contact the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Community Sponsorship team via communitysponsorshipbe@iom.int for assistance.

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