The Belgium Immigration office have expressed concern over the ever increasing number of Congolese people seeking asylum in the European country.
Belgium has warned of the considerable increase in protection seekers from the DRC, most of whom are carrying false declarations and documents.
“It should be noted, however, that Belgium is currently facing a considerable increase in protection applicants from the DRC. Last year, in 2023, we recorded 1,238 new applications for protection” Immigration Director General Freddy Roosemont noted.
“Most of these applications consist of false declarations and false documents and are used only to obtain a residence permit, and therefore constitute a misuse of procedure.”
He continued; “These applications are systematically rejected and people often end up in hiding, without receiving any financial assistance, before being returned to the country” he said.
Roosemont further added that most of the Congolese want to leave their country for economic reasons aim to improve their livelihoods by obtaining the refugee status in Belgium.
He also specifies that the asylum procedure only concerns people who are victims of serious persecution and those who fear for their life or freedom.
