Union Strike on 9 and 12 October: the personal interviews are maintained
Update Explained
A national strike is scheduled to occur on October 9 and October 12, 2026, which will cause significant disruptions to public transportation services in Belgium, including trains and the STIB-MIVB, De Lijn, and Le TEC networks. Despite these disruptions, personal interviews at the CGRS (Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons) are still scheduled to occur. Those invited to a personal interview on these days (such as applicants, guardians, support persons, or lawyers) are asked to make every effort to attend their appointment. However, if it becomes impossible to reach the CGRS due to the strike-related disruptions, individuals should notify the CGRS by emailing [email protected] with their name and file number. The CGRS will then reschedule the interview and send a new invitation as soon as possible.
What changed
Transportation services in Belgium will be disrupted due to a strike, affecting accessibility to scheduled personal interviews.
Why it matters
Those who have personal interviews scheduled with the CGRS on October 9 and October 12 should be prepared for difficulty in using public transport and make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
Who is affected
- applicants invited for personal interviews
- guardians of applicants
- support persons involved in interviews
- lawyers representing applicants
Key dates
Strike
Oct 9, 2026
National strike causing disruption to public transport.
Strike
Oct 12, 2026
Continued disruption expected in public transport due to strike.
Key details
- The CGRS will maintain scheduled personal interviews despite public transportation disruptions.
- Notification of absence due to transport disruptions should be emailed to the CGRS, including name and file number.
Important notes
Transportation disruptions due to the strike may impede travel to personal interviews; prompt notification to the CGRS is required if attendance is not possible.