Fedasil announced that it is preparing to open a new reception centre in early 2026 for asylum seekers in Schilde in the province of Antwerp, which will provide reception places for the needs of applicants with special medical needs.
The centre in Schilde will replace the one in Deurne (Antwerp), which will close at the end of the year. Since 2019, the Fedasil centre in Deurne has hosted 164 applicants for international protection. This centre was originally intended to be a temporary reception centre and will close its doors at the end of 2025 to make way for a new real estate project. The new centre in Schilde will therefore initially mainly accommodate residents of the Deurne centre, with a focus on people with special medical needs.
In Schilde, the centre managed by Fedasil will be set up in the former house of the Scheut Fathers, which has been vacant since the end of 2024. It will accommodate families as well as single adults and unaccompanied minors. 45 staff members will ensure its daily operation. Fedasil will initially call on the experienced staff of the Deurne reception centre.