The CGRS receives the asylum file from the Immigration Office (IO). The CGRS invites the applicant for internationel protection for an interview at its offices in Brussels. In the interview, the applicant can explain why he has left his country of origin.
The interview at the CGRS is an important moment in the asylum procedure. In the interview, the applicant can explain why he has left his country of origin. An interpreter translates the questions of the protection officer and the statements of the applicant.
A person who has submitted an asylum application in Belgium can stop the asylum procedure before the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons has taken a decision. The applicant has to end his asylum procedure personally at the CGRS. The ending of the procedure has consequences.
Every applicant can receive free legal advice from a lawyer. A trusted person can also assist the applicant. Both the lawyer and the trusted person are allowed to be present during the interview.