Rights & obligations

Here you can find more information about what to do in case of a negative decision and how we can support you.

Choose a language from the menu below and click “apply.”

1. What is a negative decision?

A negative decision is the refusal you receive after you applied for residency.
2. What should I do if I am too late to file an appeal?

If you did not file an appeal (in time), you must follow the negative decision and leave Belgium as soon as possible. You can find out how to do this here.
3. What should I do if I receive a return decision?

When you receive a "return decision" or "order to leave the territory", you must leave Belgium and are expected to cooperate with your return. If you decide to return to your country of origin, you will initially pay for your travel yourself. If not possible, we can see if we can help you with this.
4. When do I have to leave Belgium?

No later than the date specified on the "order to leave the territory".
5. Where can I get more information about the negative decision and my personal situation?
You can always contact your lawyer or make an appointment to discuss your administrative situation. Email icamsupport@ibz.fgov.be or call the number: 02 488 97 77.

Every Wednesday, you can also go to a desk without an appointment between 9am and 12pm:
- Brussels: Pachecolaan 44, 1000 Brussels
- Antwerp: Italiëlei 4/bus 1, 2000 Antwerp
- Liège: Rue de Fragnée 2, 4000 Liège
The staff member you speak to cannot change this decision, but only give you information about your situation and your options.
6. I received an invitation for an appointment with an ICAM coach. What should I do?

You are required to attend the scheduled appointment. If you cannot come, you should let us know as soon as possible to schedule a new appointment. More information on the obligation to attend can be found here.

During several meetings, your administrative file will be discussed and the coach will ask questions to understand your situation properly. Step by step, you will discuss the legal and administrative aspect of your file. The coach listens to you and checks whether you mention elements that are not yet in your file. Moreover, the coach will give you more information and guide you towards a sustainable future perspective.
7. What is the obligation to cooperate?

Any person without a legal residence permit in Belgium is obliged to leave the territory and cooperate with the competent services in carrying out a return, removal, transfer or expulsion procedure. More information can be found here.
8. What happens if I don't leave Belgium?

If you do not leave Belgium by your own means or with our support, the police may arrest you. It can then be decided to put you in a detention centre or residential unit while your return journey is organised to your country of origin or another country where you have a residence permit.

If you do not respect this, you may also be banned from entering the country.
9. What is an entry ban?

This ban means you cannot travel to any of the Schengen member states for a certain period of time. You will also be reported throughout the Schengen area. The duration of the entry ban is stated on the document and depends on your personal situation.

Rights & obligations

Here you can find more information about what to do in case of a negative decision and how we can support you.

Choose a language from the menu below and click “apply.”

A negative decision is the refusal you receive after you applied for residency.

If you did not file an appeal (in time), you must follow the negative decision and leave Belgium as soon as possible. You can find out how to do this here.

No later than the date specified on the "order to leave the territory".

You can always contact your lawyer or make an appointment to discuss your administrative situation. Email icamsupport@ibz.fgov.be or call the number: 02 488 97 77.

Every Wednesday, you can also go to a desk without an appointment between 9am and 12pm:

Brussels: Pachecolaan 44, 1000 Brussels

Antwerp: Italiëlei 4/bus 1, 2000 Antwerp

Liège: Rue de Fragnée 2, 4000 Liège

The staff member you speak to cannot change this decision, but only give you information about your situation and your options.

You are required to attend the scheduled appointment. If you cannot come, you should let us know as soon as possible to schedule a new appointment. More information on the obligation to attend can be found here.

Any person without a legal residence permit in Belgium is obliged to leave the territory and cooperate with the competent services in carrying out a return, removal, transfer or expulsion procedure. More information can be found here.

If you do not leave Belgium by your own means or with our support, the police may arrest you. It can then be decided to put you in a detention centre or residential unit while your return journey is organised to your country of origin or another country where you have a residence permit.

If you do not respect this, you may also be banned from entering the country.

This ban means you cannot travel to any of the Schengen member states for a certain period of time. You will also be reported throughout the Schengen area. The duration of the entry ban is stated on the document and depends on your personal situation.