Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Immigration to Belgium via the asylum channel is expected to reach new levels in 2024. "Nearly 40,000" (a total of 39,615) "asylum applications were submitted last year," says MP Francisca Van Belleghem from the far-right Vlaams Belang party, who requested these figures from the Minister of State for Asylum and Migration Nicole De Moor. "This is the highest number since the historic figure of 2015."

Compared to 2023 - when the number of asylum applications had already reached record levels - this represents an increase of at least 12 percent. "This is not only a significant increase, but also more than remarkable, as the exact opposite trend was observed in Europe, i.e. a decrease of 12 percent compared to the previous year," said Van Belleghem. "More than ever, Belgium is asserting its place in the European group of countries of destination with vitality." That is, countries targeted by asylum seekers. "A real tightening of policy is possible"
We do not have to look far for an explanation for this (opposite) situation. "In the meantime, other countries have done what Belgium has clearly refused to do so far: take effective and efficient measures to stem the flow," concludes Van Belleghem. "As long as such measures are not taken, the upcoming annual figures will not look any better than the disastrous final balance sheet presented today. As other countries have shown, a real tightening of policy is indeed possible, and such an approach also leads to visible results. The absence of such measures is also true, albeit in the opposite direction, as the concrete figures once again confirmed today."