- Nigerians constitute the largest group engaged in forced prostitution in Belgium, falling victim to deceptive promises of job placements
- Director-General Freddy Roosemont warns against the illusion of Europe as a land of opportunities, emphasizing the challenges of survival without decent jobs
The Belgian government has pointed out that Nigerians constitute the largest group engaged in forced prostitution within the European nation. Mr. Freddy Roosemont, the Director-General of the Belgian Office for Foreigners, disclosed this disheartening information during a Friday press conference in Abuja.
Roosemont emphasized that many Nigerians fall victim to deceptive promises of job placements, only to find themselves coerced into prostitution by traffickers upon reaching Belgium. He dismantled the illusion of Europe as a land of abundant opportunities, stressing survival challenges without a decent job.
“The dream is not real; surviving in Europe without a decent job is not easy. The dream is fake. Belgium is neither a land of milk and honey nor Europe,” Roosemont declared, highlighting the current global landscape with numerous crisis hotspots and severe economic consequences.
Expressing concern over the rising number of Nigerians seeking asylum in Belgium, he underscored the impracticality of such pursuits. Roosemont clarified that asylum, based on the Geneva Convention, does not consider economic motives, resulting in a low recognition rate and minimal chances of obtaining a residence permit.
In 2022, 362 Nigerian migrants sought asylum, which increased to 380 in 2023. Regrettably, only a fraction of these applications were granted. As a consequence, many find themselves living in irregular conditions, devoid of a social safety net, at risk of economic exploitation, and with women facing the grim prospect of ending up in prostitution.
Roosemont issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them to steer clear of deceptive tactics that lure them into embarking on the perilous journey to Europe without legitimate admission to a university, a job offer from a Belgian company, or an invitation from a family member for relocation. The dire situation calls for increased awareness and caution among potential migrants, as the harsh realities of forced prostitution and precarious living conditions await those who fall prey to trafficking schemes.
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