Cameroon is one of the main countries of origin of applicants for international protection in Belgium. According to figures published by the Belgian Minister's office, the recognition rate for Cameroonian applicants stood at 13.4% up to October 2026, meaning that almost nine in ten were not granted international protection. Cameroon is also the leading country of origin for applications for Belgian student visas, accounting for approximately one in five applications, although around four in five applications are refused.

Against this background, Minister Van Bossuyt travelled to Cameroon to discuss migration-related issues with the authorities and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, including on returns. On 9 November, at the start of her visit, she met with Cameroon's Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, in Yaoundé. According to the Cameroonian Ministry of External Relations, discussions focused on bilateral relations and cooperation on migration and asylum.

Another objective of the mission was to raise awareness among prospective migrants, particularly young people, of the realities and requirements associated with moving to Belgium. The minister highlighted the cost of living and studying in Belgium and the risks of embarking on migration journeys based on unrealistic expectations. She also addressed concerns identified by the Belgian Immigration Office regarding student visa applications, including forged documents and fraudulent financial guarantees. In response, the Belgian government has increased the financial resources required of international students and is preparing further changes to the rules governing guarantors and study requirements.

As part of the awareness-raising activities, Van Bossuyt met with university students and spoke to the press about migration to Belgium. The visit also saw the launch of the 'Shine Ya Eyes' initiative, developed by the Cameroonian organisation Local Youth Corner in partnership with the Belgian Embassy in Cameroon. The initiative seeks to raise awareness among young people of the risks associated with irregular migration and human trafficking, while providing reliable information on opportunities to travel abroad. As reported by Cameroon Tribune, the project also envisages the development of a website and an application enabling users to verify the authenticity of travel programmes and opportunities.

For further information, please read the press release from Anneleen Van Bossuyt (in Dutch).