In the first eight months of 2024, over 3,000 Palestinians sought asylum in Belgium.
Belgium’s receipt of half or more of the Palestinian asylum applications within the European Union is described as “neither normal nor tenable” by the resigning Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor (CD&V), during a meeting with the House Interior Committee on Tuesday. She mentioned that she is in discussions with her European counterparts, stating, “Our country naturally wants to show solidarity with war refugees, but the EU as a whole must contribute as well“.
According to data shared by Darya Safai (N-VA) during a current affairs debate in the House, in the first eight months of 2024, more than 3,000 Palestinians applied for asylum in Belgium. The MP noted that the General Commission for Refugees and Stateless Persons granted asylum in 9 out of 10 cases. In her view, the CGRS is practicing “collective recognition” without thoroughly assessing whether the individual is truly in danger in their home country.
Nicole de Moor, who was also interviewed by Vlaams Belang, rejected these allegations but expressed concern about the significant number of Palestinian asylum seekers in Belgium. She considered the rise in the number of Palestinian asylum seekers who have already received asylum in other countries, often in Greece, to be “truly problematic“. The CGRS had indicated in July that no other European country had received as many asylum requests from Palestinians.
The Secretary of State stated that she is consulting her European colleagues on this matter and is placing her hopes in the European migration pact. She explained, “This pact aims for better distribution and can prevent a specific nationality from overburdening a Member State’s asylum system in the future“.
According to the latest monthly statistical report from the CGRS, a total of 3,309 Palestinians applied for international protection between January and August of this year. In contrast, the Belgian authorities recorded 3,249 requests of this kind for the entire year of 2023.
During the first six months of this year, the protection rate for Palestinians in Belgium was 89%, compared to a 58% acceptance rate in 2022, as communicated by the CGRS last July.
Surge in Palestinian Asylum Applications in Belgium: A Closer Look at the Situation
During the first eight months of 2024, more than 3,000 Palestinians requested asylum in Belgium, highlighting a significant trend in migration flows linked to the ongoing conflicts and instability in the region.
Context of the Asylum Requests
Belgium has emerged as a primary destination for Palestinians seeking asylum within the EU, receiving half or more of all Palestinian applications. This influx has prompted expressions of concern from political figures, such as the resigning Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor. In a recent statement to the House Interior Committee, she described this situation as “neither normal nor tenable.” Nicole de Moor emphasized the urgency of collaborative solutions among EU member states to manage this humanitarian crisis effectively.
Statistics on Asylum Applications
According to statements made by politician Darya Safai (N-VA), the General Commission for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) in Belgium has issued asylum grants in approximately 9 out of 10 cases for Palestinian applicants. Safai raised concerns regarding potential patterns of “collective recognition“, suggesting that the CGRS may not be individually assessing the threats faced by each applicant.
Comparison of Asylum Applications
| Year | Palestinian Asylum Applications | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,249 | N/A |
| 2024 (Jan-Aug) | 3,309 | 89% |
Concerns Over High Asylum Rates
During an interview, Nicole de Moor acknowledged the troubling trend of an increasing number of Palestinian asylum seekers arriving in Belgium after already having received asylum elsewhere, particularly in Greece. She described this phenomenon as “really problematic” and stressed the necessity of a coordinated EU response to asylum applications to alleviate pressure on any single country’s system.
The European Pact on Migration
Looking ahead, the Secretary of State has placed her hopes in the European Pact on Migration, which aims to distribute asylum responsibilities more equitably among EU member states. According to de Moor, this initiative seeks to prevent any specific nationality from overwhelming the asylum frameworks of individual countries, thus fostering a more sustainable migration policy across the European Union.
Protective Measures and Rates
The protection rate for Palestinians in Belgium was notably high at 89% during the first six months of 2024, marking a substantial increase from a 58% acceptance rate in 2022. This statistical trend indicates a growing recognition of the dangers faced by Palestinians and a shift in Belgium’s asylum policy towards more favorable conditions for acceptance.
International Perspectives on Asylum
The situation has raised awareness and sparked discussions about the legal and humanitarian implications of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The International Court of Justice recently ruled that Israel’s presence in these areas is illegal, a decision that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized as a “false decision.” This backdrop contributes to the urgency of asylum requests as people flee from conflict-ridden areas.
Benefits of Seeking Asylum in Belgium
Social Integration
Belgium provides several benefits to asylum seekers, including access to healthcare, education, and social services. Successful asylum seekers can gradually integrate into Belgian society, allowing them to contribute positively to the community.
Legal Protections
Asylum seekers in Belgium are granted legal protections during their application process, which helps ensure their rights are respected and safeguarded during a vulnerable period in their lives.
Real-Life Experiences: Voices of Asylum Seekers
Many Palestinians have shared their harrowing stories of fleeing violence in their homeland and the overwhelming desire to find safety and stability in Belgium. These narratives highlight the human aspect of migration and the urgent need for supportive policies.
Practical Tips for Palestinian Asylum Seekers in Belgium
- Seek Legal Counsel: Engaging with legal services specializing in asylum can greatly enhance the chances of a successful application.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect and present evidence of threats encountered in Palestine, such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements.
- Participate in Integration Programs: Take advantage of community and language programs to facilitate smoother integration into Belgian society.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on changes in asylum laws and policies, as the situation is constantly evolving.
Future Implications of the Asylum Surge
The continuing rise in Palestinian asylum applications in Belgium is not just a national concern; it has broader implications for European migration policies. With EU member states grappling with complex migration issues, Belgium’s experience may inform future regulations and frameworks intended to promote equitable and humane treatment of refugees across the continent.
