2023-07-31 13:06:00
In recent years, irregular migration from Nigeria has increased drastically in Belgium. Last year, 352 asylum applications were filed by Nigerians in Belgium, almost double the 181 applications in 2019. No less than 96% of Nigerians who apply for asylum in our country do not, however, need of protection following investigation and must then return to their country of origin.
Undocumented Nigerian women are also often victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In recent years, 122 Nigerian victims of sexual exploitation have been traced, but the actual number is much higher.
Up to 4 years in prison for human trafficking and exploitation of prostitutes
It is precisely to raise awareness among the Nigerian population of the dangers of human trafficking, exploitation and the risks associated with irregular migration that Nicole De Moor, the Secretary of State in charge of Asylum and Migration, ordered the Foreigners’ Office to launch a prevention campaign in this country.
”Nigerians have little chance of obtaining asylum in our country and we want, through a prevention campaign, to prevent people from making the dangerous crossing. Every person we can convince is one less victim. We are also working to improve cooperation with Nigeria on returns. A life of illegal residence only leads to misery and exploitation. It is in everyone’s interest that these people can build a new future in their country of origin,” she explains.
Nigerian man sentenced to 40 months in prison for human trafficking and prostitution
For this campaign, the ‘Office des Étrangers’ will join forces with the local organization Pathfinders for Justice, which has expertise in preventing and combating human trafficking. In addition to the risks associated with irregular migration, the campaign also aims to draw the attention of Nigerians to the many economic opportunities that exist in Nigeria and to show that the possibilities of obtaining asylum in Belgium are almost non-existent. Pathfinders for Justice will work with people who have been returned and victims of human trafficking as part of this campaign.
Ten years in prison for a woman at the head of a Nigerian prostitution ring
The campaign will be broadcast on the radio, in newspapers, on billboards and in social media. Awareness actions will also be carried out in schools. A hotline will be set up to direct callers to local economic opportunities. These opportunities will also be presented on a website.
A “close” cooperation with the Nigerian ambassador in Brussels
Nicole De Moor met with the Nigerian Ambassador in Brussels earlier this month to discuss closer cooperation on the return of illegal residents. “Cooperation with countries of origin is essential to guarantee the effective return of illegal residents,” she concludes.
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