Belgium to stop providing shelter for single men seeking asylum

Shelters in Belgium are overwhelmed by large numbers of incoming migrants, ministers said. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters

Belgium said it would no longer provide asylum to single men seeking asylum to prevent women and children from being left on the streets this winter.

Shelters in Belgium were overwhelmed with large numbers migrant arrivals compared to other EU member states, the ministers said.

“Our country has been doing more than is required of it for a long time,” said Nicole de Moore, Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration. “It really won't last. There are 19,000 registered asylum seekers in Belgium this year, compared to 1,500 in Portugal, a country with a similar population.”

The state will no longer provide access to free food or housing while single men apply for asylum . processed, she said.

Belgium is one of the countries illegal migrants pass through before trying to cross the English Channel to the UK.

Nicole de Moore Photo: Jonas Rousens/AFP

Ms de Moore told Belgian broadcaster VRT: “I don't want to chase facts. Therefore, I am already making a decision to reserve all free places for families with children. I really want to keep children out of the street.

“We continue to open new centers, but over the past year everyone has seen how difficult it is to set up collection points.”

Recently introduced in Belgium the rule prevents asylum seekers from being expelled from the country, putting further pressure on its ability to receive them in a safe place.

Ms de Moore noted the recent influx of asylum seekers. filled almost 33,500 shelters in Belgium.

About 37,000 asylum applications were filed in the country last year, according to Fedasil, the federal agency in charge of asylum seekers. In addition, Belgium has provided assistance to 62,000 Ukrainians seeking asylum after Russia's invasion.

Belgium was recently condemned for failing to provide accommodation for refugees 7,000 times by Myria, the country's federal migration service. center. This provoked demands for numerous fines, but Ms. de Moore refused to pay them.

Katie Verstrepen, president of the Human Rights League, said: “This is absolutely not in line with international or Belgian law. Everyone should be welcomed.

“Single men can also become victims of violence and abuse. If reception is not possible in exceptional cases, it is necessary to assess on a case-by-case basis who is most vulnerable.”