Suspensions

You can be granted temporary suspension from attending a mandatory integration programme. The time required to complete your integration programme can be extended if you submit suspension proof to your municipality: through BON or the BAPA, by going to the municipality offices in person, or by email. The following cases apply:

You are working or in training and cannot combine your work/training with the requirement to attend an integration programme

Suspension period: six months, can be extended

Proof:

integration programme timetable
work or training hours:

to submit a record of working hours you can download a template here It must be completed and signed by your employer.

You are ill or are temporarily out of the country for medical reasons

Suspension period:length of illness as stated on the medical certificate, with a minimum of 1 month total, possibly extended.

Proof: Medical certificate. You can download a certificate template here It must be filled out and signed by your doctor.

Please note that a suspension request for medical reasons must be made in person at your municipality offices or by email addressed to the municipality.

You are providing assistance, care or palliative care to a family member or person living under the same roof

Suspension period: 6 months, can be extended.

Proof: Medical certificate. You can download a certificate template here It must be filled out and signed by your doctor.

Please note that the request for suspension on the basis of a medical certificate must be made in person at your municipality offices or by email addressed to the municipality.

You have given birth

Suspension period: 3 months following the birth, with a possible 9-month extension if breastfeeding.

Proof::

If the birth took place in Belgium: you do not need to present proof to the municipality. When requesting a suspension, the municipality will check the national register.
If birth abroad: birth certificate.
If breastfeeding: medical certificate. You can download a certificate template here It must be filled out and signed by your doctor.

Please note that the request for suspension on the basis of a medical certificate must be made in person at your municipality offices or by email addressed to the municipality.

Death of a direct ascendant or descendant family member or of your spouse, or legal or de facto co-habitant

Suspension period: 2 months after the death, cannot be extended.

Proof::

In case of death in Belgium: you do not need to present proof to the municipality. When requesting a suspension, the municipality will check the national register
If death abroad: death certificate.

You are already participating in an integration programme with an organiser listed by the Flemish Community, the Common Community Commission or the Walloon Region

Suspension period: the total duration of the programme indicated on the organiser’s certificate with possible extension.

Proof: Certificate from the approved organiser

You are on a waiting list due to a lack of available places at BON or BAPA

Suspension period: maximum 6 months, with possible 6-month extension for every instance.

Proof: Certificate from approved organiser (BON/BAPA).

You have a dependent child who is not old enough to go to nursery school or reception class and you have no other suitable childcare options

Suspension period: 6 months, with possible extension for a single 6-month period.

Proof: evidence that you are on the waiting list of at least three childcare places.