‘With the CONEX project, we want to provide accurate and comprehensive information to migrants in precarious situations and to the frontline organizations that come into contact with them. This information is adapted to each situation,’ explains Babette Boone of Caritas International.
‘This is a project supported by Fedasil,’ explains Babette. ‘The emphasis is on raising awareness and guidance: accessible information that should enable migrants to make an informed decision about their future, while giving them an idea of the services they can turn to for help. Reflection on future prospects can include the options of staying legally in Belgium or abroad, as well as the option of voluntary return and reintegration in the country of origin.’
CORRECT AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
It is important that frontline services and volunteers, who are in direct contact with migrants in precarious situations, have correct and up-to-date information. Or at least, that they know where and whom to contact to obtain this information. This is why Caritas International wants to provide information in a humane and transparent way to undocumented migrants and the humanitarian workers who encounter them.
‘The emphasis is on sensibilization and orientation: accessible information should enable the migrant to make an informed decision about his or her own future and give an idea of the services he or she can turn to for support. Thinking about one’s own future includes considering possible options for legal residence in Belgium or elsewhere and the option of voluntary return and reintegration in the country of origin.’
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MEETINGS WITH DIASPORAS AND FRONTLINE STAFF
Various actions and activities are organized as part of the CONEX project. ‘We work mainly with diasporas and front-line organizations to get in touch with undocumented migrants. This is to inform them of the possibilities that exist,’ explains Babette. ‘In 2021, we gave information sessions to frontline staff and key people from the diasporas. After that, we also gave information sessions to migrants in precarious situations to introduce them to the support Caritas can provide.’
On residence procedures and voluntary return and reintegration, quite a lot of misinformation circulates. This does not always make it easy to communicate about it. ‘For our project, it is crucial to be able to have direct contact with migrants and diaspora. This way, we can pick up signals in the most direct and efficient way, offer correct and clear information and orient people within the network.’
COMMUNICATION MATERIAL
Caritas International also works on communication materials for the CONEX project. For example, we produced several podcasts on voluntary return and reintegration. ‘We work with our partners in countries of origin who are involved in return and reintegration. This way, we make it easier to get information. Persons who have questions about voluntary return can inform themselves in a more accessible way thanks to the podcasts.’
> DISCOVER OUR PODCASTS
SOCIAL RIGHTS AND RESIDENCE PROCEDURES
One of the project’s main aims is to reach people who have difficulty accessing information. During the information sessions we provide, among other things, information on the social rights of migrants without legal residence, as well as on the different residence procedures in Belgium. We also explain what help Caritas International can provide and which other organizations to contact for specific questions.
REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE
‘I know that many people leave our country because they have no hope,’ says Arnoldo Urbina of Caritas Santiago de Maria, one of Caritas International’s partner organizations in Latin America. ‘But many people came back frustrated. They didn’t find what they were looking for in Belgium. But they need to know that all these experiences are valuable. The situation in the country of origin is not easy, but somehow, we manage. If people are thinking of returning to their country of origin, we are there to welcome them and guide them.’
‘Since 2020, we have been working systematically with people returning from Belgium,’ explains Arnoldo. ‘We support them so that they can reintegrate after their return, because that’s not always easy. These people mainly choose to set up a small business or use their reintegration support to pay rent or buy furniture. Of course, it all depends on their situation and the options available to them. We’re here with our whole team to help them.’
Do you have any questions about the social rights of undocumented migrants, residence procedures in Belgium or voluntary return and reintegration? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Babette Boone – b.boone@caritasint.be – +32 476 864340
