From Moshood Karim
Belgium’s Director General IBZ Federal Public Service, Home Affairs, Freddy Rosemont, at a press conference held in Benin City on Wednesday, announced the launch of a new information and awareness campaign aimed at discouraging illegal migration.
During the conference, Rosemont expressed his concern over the growing number of Nigerians, particularly from Benin City, engaging in illegal sex trade in Belgium.
He noted that the total number of Nigerians involved in this activity has ballooned to a significant figure, which has prompted the Belgian authorities to take measures to curb the tide.
Rosemont also revealed that there has 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. As a result, the recognition rate for asylum is very low, and the chances of obtaining a residence permit are almost non-existent.
Rosemont 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 Europe country will send them back to Belgium from where they have to return to Nigeria.” He said.
According to recent statistics from the Belgian authorities, the total number of Nigerians seeking asylum in Belgium has increased considerably, from 350 in 2022 to 370 in 2023.
For regular migration, Rosemont noted that at least five thousand Nigerians are living legally in Belgium.
However, he also identified that the inability of applicants to provide genuine documents and proper documentation makes it cumbersome.
Rosemont urged 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.
He encouraged them to invest in their education and build on their dreams in Nigeria as ‘Belgium is not a land of milk and honey.’
“We urged Nigerians not to take on these dangers and take the time to see what is possible in their own country.”
To provide viable and sustainable economic alternatives, Rosemont referred Nigerians to organizations 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 concluded by stating that his 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.
