The Belgian government has shed light on the alarming prevalence of Nigerians coerced into prostitution within the European nation, revealing troubling insights during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday.
Addressing the media, Freddy Roosemont, the Director-General of the Belgian Office for Foreigners, dismantled the illusions surrounding the European dream, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by migrants seeking refuge in Belgium. He underscored that Nigeria tops the list concerning the highest number of individuals forced into prostitution in Belgium.
Roosemont delivered a sobering message, stating, “The dream is not real. It is not easy to survive in Europe without a decent job. The dream is fake. Belgium is not the land of milk and honey, nor is Europe.” He outlined the bleak prospects awaiting migrants, particularly Nigerian asylum seekers, highlighting the complexities of the asylum process and the slim chances of obtaining residency.
Highlighting the plight of Nigerian migrants, Roosemont revealed that in 2022, 362 Nigerian migrants sought asylum in Belgium, with 380 applications filed in 2023. However, he lamented that only a fraction of these applicants were successful, leaving many stranded in irregular status, vulnerable to exploitation, and at risk of falling into prostitution.
With a stark warning against the perils of irregular migration, Roosemont urged Nigerians to resist the allure of deceptive promises and cautioned against embarking on perilous journeys through the Mediterranean or falling prey to human traffickers. Instead, he urged investment in education and opportunities within Nigeria, advocating for a pragmatic approach to realizing aspirations.
In conclusion, the Director-General urged prospective migrants to consider legal pathways for migration, emphasizing the importance of education and legitimate channels for relocation to Belgium, thus offering a viable alternative to the dangers of irregular migration and exploitation.
