Aiding Asylum Seekers in Belgium

The Legal Helpdesk began in 2022 as a temporary stopgap when Fedasil, the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers in Belgium, struggled to meet its legal obligations to provide every prospective asylum seeker with food, shelter, and access to sanitary facilities.

In response to this “reception crisis,” the walk-in Helpdesk was formed by the Brussels Bar Association and supported by the nonprofit Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen, alongside pro bono attorneys. Since then, additional bar associations and student groups have joined the initiative, making it a cornerstone of the asylum seeker support network in the city. The aim of the Helpdesk is to deliver immediate practical and legal support to asylum seekers who lack knowledge of their rights and access to shelter. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, volunteers help dozens of asylum seekers at the Helpdesk, connecting them to legal aid lawyers and helping them navigate available social services. 

"For many of the individuals we see at the Legal Helpdesk, the legal advice we provide can mean the difference between a life of dignity and one of uncertainty."

Simon Troch, Associate, Brussels

By the end of 2024, the Helpdesk celebrated a major milestone: advising on its 10,000th case. To date, more than half of the lawyers in our Brussels office has participated in one of the Helpdesk’s regular sessions, making it one of the most significant pro bono engagements in Brussels. Participating in a face-to-face clinic has been a meaningful experience. “For many of the individuals we see at the Helpdesk, the legal advice we provide can mean the difference between a life of dignity and one of uncertainty,” said Brussels associate Simon Troch.