Belgium's Immigration Office is taking proactive measures to address irregular migration from Nigeria. The number of asylum applications from Nigerian nationals has doubled from 181 to 352
between 2019 and 2022, prompting action from the cabinet of state secretary for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor.
According to a press release published on Friday, about 96% of Nigerian applicants do not meet the criteria for protection and should be repatriated to Nigeria. To discourage people from attempting dangerous crossings, the authorities are initiating a prevention campaign that will highlight the risks associated with irregular migration while also shedding light on economic opportunities within Nigeria. The objective is to convey that seeking asylum in Belgium is highly unlikely.
The campaign will be disseminated through various channels, including radio broadcasts, newspapers, billboards, and social media. Moreover, awareness-raising initiatives will be conducted in schools. Additionally, a telephone helpline will be established to guide callers towards local economic prospects, with relevant information also made available on a dedicated website.
Further collaboration on the return of illegal residents is being pursued through discussions with the Nigerian ambassador to Brussels, demonstrating Belgium's commitment to address the issue at both national and international levels. Photo by Reginald Bassey, Wikimedia commons.