00800 2 41 41: an information point to answer questions from Ukrainians and Belgians who host them

Caritas International Belgium 00800 2 41 41: an information point to answer questions from Ukrainians and Belgians who host them
23/03/2022

Caritas International lawyers and social workers answer questions from Belgians hosting Ukrainians via the free phone line 00800 2 41 41. A WhatsApp line is also available for answers in Ukrainian.

Nearly 20,000 people from Ukraine have registered in Belgium since the invasion of their country by the Russian army. Today, we are launching an information point to provide our support to all those, in our country, who want to support the welcoming effort. To ask your questions, the number: 00800 2 41 41. This phone line is available free of charge Monday through Friday, between 13:00 and 17:00. A WhatsApp info line is also available for all answers in Ukrainian via 0032 476 34 07 58.

Ensuring accurate, reliable and accessible information

“The challenge is to be able to quickly and easily provide quality, cross-referenced and updated information to be able to refer people who are disoriented or having difficulties to the appropriate authorities or resources”, indicates Pieter Van Roeyen, lawyer and coordinator for the Ukraine information point.

Caritas International Belgium is not only active in the humanitarian response in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We also want to make a difference here in Belgium, alongside our reception and structural support projects. This info point is part of this ambition and is an extension of the offices that Caritas offers at the Heysel, where exiles from Ukraine register.

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“A number of citizens, parishes and local communities have already opened their doors and are at the face of the emergency”, adds Anne Dussart, responsible for social programs at Caritas International. “But new questions arise. Because of the number of people seeking protection in Belgium, their special status and the new model of reception in place, many remain without answers. We want to facilitate the reception and activation of the rights of these people.” 

Special attention will also be given to third country nationals (students, foreign workers, etc.) who have also had to flee Ukraine.

Miscellaneous questions

The info point deals with a wide range of issues, but focuses on social and legal matters: How to obtain residence documents? Is a Ukrainian driver’s license valid here? How to organize the cohabitation between host family and host? Caritas intends to share with host families its expertise in welcoming and accompanying refugees and migrants in Belgium, and to promote good practices.

There are also many questions about accessing the job market, learning the language or enrolling children in school. Aside from this, the respondents will be able to refer to the competent actors for questions related for example to psycho-social support, donation or volunteering.

To help

You will have understood that, all your questions are welcome free of charge through the number: 0800 2 41 41 from Monday to Friday 13:00 to 17:00.

You have already spoken your heart for the most vulnerable people in Ukraine. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, the needs remain great and your help is vital to the Ukrainian population. Today, help them with a donation through our online payment platform or through the bank account number BE88 0000 0000 4141 with the message “4147 Ukraine”. Because it is only with your help that we can continue to make a difference.

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