The Directorate General, Immigration Office, Belgium, has expressed worry over the increasing number of Nigerian migrants seeking asylum in the country, revealing that approximately 30% of these asylum seekers are from Edo State. Mr. Freddy Roosemont, the Director General, disclosed this information during a press conference in Benin City on Wednesday.
Addressing the press, Roosemont emphasised the negative impact this trend has on the corporate image of Nigeria and the individuals involved.
The press conference was organised in collaboration with the Pathfinder Justice Initiative (PJI) to raise awareness about the consequences of irregular migration.
Roosemont highlighted that in 2022, around 370 Nigerians sought asylum in Belgium, and in 2023, approximately 360 more individuals requested asylum. He broke down the statistics, stating that 30% were from Edo State, 20% from Lagos, and the remaining 50% from other states in Nigeria. Some migrants arrived in Belgium through legal means, while others took the perilous journey through the Mediterranean Sea.
Expressing concern about the efficacy of seeking asylum on economic grounds, Roosemont clarified that asylum status is determined by the Geneva Convention, which does not consider economic motives. He urged Nigerians not to fall victim to human traffickers promising job opportunities in Belgium.
Roosemont highlighted the saturated job market in Belgium and emphasised the Belgian government’s support for legal migration, noting that about 5,000 Nigerians are living legally in the country.
Ruth Benson-Idahosa, Executive Director of PJI, called for increased support from Non-Governmental organisations to raise awareness about safe migration initiatives.
She introduced “Safe Travelling Awareness for At-risk Youth (S.T.A.A.Y),” an initiative launched by the Belgium Ministry of Interior in partnership with PJI to provide safe travel awareness for Nigerian youths. The initiative aims to inform Nigerians about job opportunities and skills available within the country, discouraging unsafe migration practices.
