After Merksplas, the CGRS also interviews asylum seekers through video conference in the centre for illegal migrants in Bruges.
In June 2016, the CGRS launched a pilot project for video interviews. Some 80 video interviews have already been conducted with asylum seekers in the centre for illegal aliens in Merksplas. As this pilot project received a positive evaluation, video conferencing interviews also started at the centre for illegal aliens in Bruges at the end of March.
The number of interviews through video conferencing will increase considerably in the coming months. This will enhance efficiency: video interviews can be planned at shorter notice and the protection officer and the interpreter spend less travelling going back and forth to the centre.