In a startling revelation, the Belgian government has disclosed that Nigerians constitute the highest number of individuals trapped in forced prostitution within the European nation. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Mr. Freddy Roosemont, the Director-General of the Belgian Office for Foreigners, underscored the grim reality facing many Nigerian migrants who fall prey to trafficking schemes promising lucrative opportunities abroad.
Roosemont delivered a stark warning, stating, “The dream is not real, it’s not easy to survive in Europe without a decent job. The dream is fake.” He emphasized the deceptive tactics employed by traffickers who lure unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of job placements, only to exploit them in the sex trade upon their arrival in Belgium.
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Highlighting the escalating trend, Roosemont lamented the surge in Nigerian asylum seekers in Belgium, noting that such endeavors often lead to futile outcomes. “Asylum is determined on the basis of the Geneva Convention and economic motives are not included,” he clarified, stressing the low recognition rate for asylum claims and the slim chances of obtaining a residence permit.
The dire situation is evidenced by the increasing number of Nigerian migrants seeking refuge, with 362 asylum applications recorded in 2022 and 380 in 2023, yielding minimal success. Consequently, many find themselves living in precarious conditions without legal status, vulnerable to exploitation and coercion into prostitution.
Roosemont urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and disregard deceptive enticements that lure them into embarking on perilous journeys to Europe without legitimate prospects for employment or residency.