Asylum seekers who work will now have to pay a contribution to the reception centre where they are staying. They will have to hand over up to 50 per cent of their wages to cover reception costs. At the reception centre, asylum seekers enjoy a bed in a shared room, sanitary facilities and three hearty meals a day.
How much working asylum seekers have to pay to their reception centre depends on their income. For example, an asylum seeker earning 900 euros net per month will have to pay 222.25 euros. The contribution starts at 35 per cent for amounts from 265 euros rising to 50 per cent for those earning more than 1,500 euros net per month.
Asylum seekers must declare their own income
Asylum seekers must self-declare their income at their reception centre. If they fail to do so, they will later have to pay a higher contribution. Should someone continue to refuse to pay the contribution, the reception centre may decide to curtail services for the person in question, or as a last resort exclude the person from the reception centre.
Obliging asylum seekers to pay towards their reception has been possible since the introduction of legislation in 2011. At the end of the last parliament asylum secretary De Moor tabled legislation to enable a system work in practice.
Extensive information campaign
The office of asylum secretary Nicole de Moor (Flemish Christian democrat/CD&V) notes that in recent months, staff and residents have been extensively informed about the contributions working asylum seekers will have to make with an easy to understand leaflet being handed out. Businesses were also able to participate in information sessions, while employers received a letter with the relevant information.
If asylum centre residents have any questions, they can contact their social worker. Businesses can put their queries to the federal asylum agency Fedasil.
Some 10,000 asylum seekers are currently on short- or long-term contracts in Belgium.