Belgium Reinforces Campaign against Illegal Migration

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Belgium has announced the launch of a new information and awareness campaign aimed at discouraging irregular migration from Nigeria to the country.
It said the awareness campaign is to urge Nigerians to stay in their own country and improve their lives rather than embarking on a journey that they are not sure of getting greener pastures.

The country added that it was doing everything possible to encourage the Nigerian government to invest in its citizens’ education and build on their dreams in Nigeria as wells as take advantage of possibilities in their own country rather than making dangerous journeys that may lead to death.
Brussels’ Director General IBZ Federal Public Service, Home Affairs, Freddy Roosemont, who made this known at a press conference in Benin City, capital of Edo State, also expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians, who come to the country to engage in illegal sex trade.
He noted that the total number of Nigerians involved in the activity had ballooned to a significant figure, which has prompted the Belgian authorities to take measures to curb the tide.

Rosemont also revealed that there had been an increase in the number of Nigerians seeking asylum in Belgium, with some attempting to do so in the wrong way.
He explained that asylum is determined based on the criteria set out by the Geneva Convention, which does not include economic motives, adding that as a result, the recognition rate for asylum is very low, and the chances of obtaining a residence permit are almost non-existent.
Roosemont added that some Nigerians who have sought asylum in Belgium have attempted to move to other countries within Europe, only to be sent back to Belgium, from where they are returned to Nigeria.
“We have also noticed that more and more Nigerians are seeking asylum in Belgium. Some have come to Belgium by legal means, other taken way through the Mediterranean Sea.

“Once in Belgium, they apply for asylum, but make little sense. Asylum is determined on the basis of the Geneva Convention and economic motives are not included. Therefore the recognition rate for asylum is very low and the chances of obtaining a residence permit are almost non-existence.
“We then see some trying to move to other countries within Europe, but there they will also see that they have already requested asylum in Belgium. Consequently, this European country will send them back to Belgium from   where they have to return to Nigeria”, he said.
Furthermore, Roosemont said recent statistics from the Belgian authorities, stated that the total number of Nigerians seeking asylum in Belgium has increased considerably, from 350 in 2022 to 370 in 2023.

For regular migration, Roosemont noted that at least 5,000 Nigerians are living legally in Belgium, noting however, that the inability of applicants to provide genuine documents and proper documentation makes it cumbersome for them to access the country’s visa.
To provide viable and sustainable economic alternatives, Rosemont referred Nigerians to organisations and initiatives in Nigeria, such as hersafrica.com, a hub of economic resources for survivors, the helpline of Pathfinders for Justice, and the Coordinated Care Mechanism.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Development also has a skill training and development centre.
Rosemont said the Belgian government will continue to enact strict control on immigration issues, warning that those who engage in illegal migration risk economic exploitation and arrest.
He urged Nigerian journalists to use their various media platforms to educate their compatriots on the dangers of irregular migration.