This year, 975 Guineans applied for international protection in Belgium, more than in all of last year (902). However, three-quarters of the Guineans who apply for international protection appear, after investigation, to have no need for protection.

It is in this context that a campaign is taking place in Guinea. The campaign will make people in Guinea aware of the dangers of irregular migration. A theatre caravan will tour the Conakry-Kindia-Mamou-Labé route, the area from which the majority of Guinean applicants in Belgium come. The focus lies on families and vulnerable young people (18-35 years) and migrants returning to Guinea. People are also made aware of local employment opportunities and legal migration channels. In addition, the "Direction Générale des Guinéens de l'Étranger" is also supported to better coordinate awareness campaigns.

The Immigration Office is working with Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency, to implement the campaign. It is the first time that they work together. Enabel has been active in Guinea for some time. It works there, among other things, on creating professional opportunities to offer young people a perspective.

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