About the CGRS
The CGRS was created in 1988 and is an independent government agency.
It is headed by a Commissioner General and two Deputy Commissioners and employs approximately 450 people.
The task of the CGRS consists of offering protection to foreigners who, if they return to their country of origin, run the risk of persecution or serious harm. The CGRS grants refugee status or subsidiary protection status. To this end, the CGRS carefully studies each application for asylum in light of the Belgian, European and international regulations.
The CGRS also issues register office certificates to recognised refugees and stateless persons.
The CGRS is the central asylum authority and since 1 June 2007 it is the only body competent for studying asylum applications.
