In Belgium, there were 352 applications for international protection from Nigerians last year, almost twice as many as in 2019 where 181 applications were registered. Research shows that no less than 96 percent of Nigerians who apply for international protection in Belgium do not need protection. They must return to their country of origin.

Irregularly staying Nigerian women are also often victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. In recent years, 122 Nigerian victims of sexual exploitation have been registered.

In this context, the Immigration Office will implement a prevention campaign in Nigeria. Cooperation will be established with the local "Pathfinders Justice Initiative" which will all voices of returnees and victims of human trafficking to be heard.  

The campaign will be broadcast on the radio, in newspapers, on billboards and social media. Awareness-raising campaigns will also be run in schools. A telephone helpline will be set up to direct callers to local economic opportunities. These will also be presented on a website. 

For further information, please read (in Dutch) the press release from the Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration.