The Belgian government has cautioned Nigerians against migrating to the country or Europe without securing a decent job. The warning comes after a surge in Nigerian asylum seekers in Belgium from 50 to 380 in 2023, post Covid19 pandemic.
Freddy Roosemont, the Director General of the Office of Foreigners stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, February 2.
Expressing concerns about the growing number of irregular migrants ending up on the streets, Roosemont said it had become necessary to dispel the illusion of a better life in Europe.
He cautioned against the dream of “eldorado”, stressing the importance of informing potential migrants about the harsh realities in Europe.
“First of all, inform the people correctly, because they often leave with a dream. If I say to the investor, you’re gonna win the lottery next week and it’s going to bring you a million euros and he believes me it will be a dream, is that dream realistic? Not at all.
“So first of all, you have to take away the dream. The dream is not real. That’s why I’m telling you and I hope that through you, the public is aware that dreams are not real.
“It’s not easy to survive in Europe, without a decent job and without being employed by an employer or by a university. The dream is fake,” he stated.
In addition, the Director General expressed concerns over many young girls coerced into engaging in prostitution in major cities.
Roosemont also noted that asylum seekers in Belgium have a low chance of obtaining a residence permit.
“When we encounter girls in such situations, our objective is to provide assistance and support to help them break free from those circumstances and the individuals responsible for their exploitation.”
He pleaded with the media to help educate the people, saying “Notifying the youth that it’s not the dream to go to Europe or Belgium is not realistic and it’s very dangerous.
“So that’s why I am making that brief. That’s also the reason why we were here in Nigeria last week to try to inform the youth directly or indirectly, that the thing that they hope for is not realistic. It’s a very dangerous thing.”
