The Directorate-General of the Immigration Office, Belgium, Freddy Roosemonth, has said Edo and Lagos produce the majority of Nigerians who seek asylum in the European country.
He said this on Wednesday in Benin City during a press conference organised by the Immigration Office of the Kingdom of Belgium in collaboration with the Pathfinder Justice Initiative (PJI) based in Benin City, aimed to raise awareness about the negative impacts of irregular migration.
He said 30 per cent of the asylum seekers are form Edo State, while Lagos produced 20 per cent and other parts of the country produce the remaining 50 per cent.
Roosemont expressed concern over the development, stating that it tarnishes the image of Nigeria and those involved.
“We have noticed that more and more Nigerians are seeking asylum in Belgium. In 2022, about 370 Nigerians sought asylum, while in 2023, about 360 also requested asylum,” he said.
“30 percent are from Edo, 20 percent from Lagos, while the remaining 50 percent are from other states in Nigeria.
“Some have come to Belgium by legal means while others came through the Mediterranean Sea.
“Once in Belgium, they apply for asylum, but this makes little sense. Asylum is determined on the basis of the Geneva Convention and economic motives are not included.”
