On November 20, the CINL celebrated its 60th anniversary in Marche-en-Famenne.
A job that gets complicated
For four years, Quentin Vauchel has been the contact social worker for the province of Luxembourg. He supports people who appeal to the Center, he participates in the preparation of files with a view to regularization procedures, family reunification, legal cohabitation among others and prepares migrants for the various hearings. “We collaborate with several law firms, which we help with administrative work. However, we are not authorized to lodge an appeal, this is their responsibility.”he explains.
There is no shortage of work for Mr. Vauchel. It also gets complicated. “There is a certain overload of work. Digitalization doesn’t always make things simpler. Previously, simple contact with a person was sufficient. Today, you often have to do it online. The procedures are also often long, sometimes ten years before the migrant can obtain a residence permit. Not to mention that the law changes very often without it always being very consistent.”
This requires team members to continually train on immigration law. “We receive extensive training when we join the association but it is clear that this does not facilitate recruitment.“
2025, a pivotal year?
A psychologist by training, Bénédicte Guebs joined the non-profit organization in 2009 and since 2023 has held the role of coordinator. “A position we haven’t had for some time. I manage the different branches and analyze what the center wants to develop.“
It also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future of the non-profit organization. “It is possible that we are part of the AVIQ and therefore mental health centers. There are a lot of political issues. 2025 will be an important year for the center. We would also like to simplify our structure so that it is common and more centralized. Walking is a possibility.”
The team is made up of social workers, a lawyer and psychologists and works with several interpreters based in Namur to cover as many languages as possible. However, the province of Luxembourg is vast and the non-profit organization lacks resources, especially human resources.
“A year ago, we feared having to close the non-profit organization. Finally, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary. The team is doing incredible work despite the difficulties. We are dependent on the geopolitical situation. In 2023, we helped many Afghans, Syrians, Eritreans, people from West Africa (Cameroon, DRC, Guinea) and at the psychological level, Palestinians and Ukrainians.“
Since January 1, 2024, 70 different nationalities have been identified.
Ruth Khumba Nsumbu, an example for all
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ruth Khumba Nsumbu arrived in Belgium during the summer of 2022.
She was an activist for the political party of Martin Madidi Fayulu. In 2021, she is the victim of a kidnapping which will traumatize her. She ends up being freed by her opponents, but the discomfort persists. His parents offered him a first stay in Belgium. She spends time with her great aunt in Mons to clear her mind.
Returning to Kinshasa in 2022, she was arrested and then conditionally released. In August, she returned to Belgium and requested international protection. At the end of November, she joined the Fédasil center in Sugny (Vresse-sur-Semois).
” The CINL helped me to confide in myself. I spoke a lot with Bénédicte Guebs. I took accounting courses in social promotion even though the journeys were complicated.
Today, Ruth Khumba Nsumbu has a license, works as a train conductor and is engaged. “It was very difficult to abandon my country, my family, but I think that if you have the will to get through it, it is possible.” she finishes.
At CINL, the young woman is seen by everyone as an example.
