A lot of illegal migration despite the coronavirus crisis, but zero tackling of it

Despite the coronavirus crisis and the closed borders, 4,238 illegal transmigrants were intercepted by our police forces in 2020. Just under 7% (282) of these transmigrants were transferred to a closed centre. This is to be seen in a written question from federal representative Yoleen Van Camp. “Human trafficking will also continue uninterrupted in 2021,” Flemish MP Maaike De Vreese and MP Theo Francken react.

Some remarkable figures: one in five illegal transmigrants is a minor or claims to be a minor. West Flanders remains the province most affected: 44% of illegal transit migrants are found there. 31% of the total number are found in Bruges by the various police forces present: the local police, railway police and maritime police.

State Secretary Mahdi continues to sleep

Although the competent services are aware that many illegal transit migrants are based in Brussels, only 334 illegal transit migrants were intercepted there. That is a disproportionately low figure. “Despite the various cries for help, Secretary of State Mahdi continues to sleep. In fact, for persons whose identity is completely unknown, no decision is taken by the Immigration Department. This is unprecedented. It is precisely these people who need to be transferred to a closed centre for identification,” Theo Francken says.

The Vivaldi government and Brussels are abandoning Flanders

“The Vivaldi government is abandoning West Flanders and Bruges. However, one and the same party, namely CD&V, is holding all the reins with Interior Minister Verlinden, Secretary of State Mahdi and Mayor De Fauw. In 2021, we again see an upward trend. We are asking them to wake up, to commit to an overall action plan and effective identification and detention with a view to repatriation,” says Maaike De Vreese. “Moreover, Brussels must also do its part, which is now a free port for smugglers, a hub for illegal transit migrants. The rest of Flanders bears the consequences of that.”