The backlog of asylum cases has grown again. Theo Francken: “Enough is enough”

The backlog in the processing of asylum cases has grown again, according to the website of the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGVS). The backlog of work for the Immigration Office amounts to a staggering 13,590 cases. “Incomprehensible,” says MP Theo Francken. “Enough is enough. The Belgian asylum system is driving itself into a ditch.”

The backlog of work for the Immigration Office has now increased to a staggering total of 13,590 cases. “The De Croo government pumped millions of extra euros into the asylum services again this year, and the case backlog is still not being cleared. Surely that is not possible?” responds MP Theo Francken.

Accountability in parliament

He is referring again to the federal budget, which continues to colour blood red. “Continuing to throw tax money away without visible results is unjustifiable in these times. I therefore urge Secretary of State de Moor and the asylum services to come and account for themselves in parliament.”

More funds, yet more backlog

This is the last straw for Francken: “An increasing administrative backlog in asylum cases is not a mere numerical fact. The impact is huge: the backlog prolongs the asylum procedure and thus also the stay of asylum seekers in reception facilities, so that insufficient places become available for new asylum seekers. Yet this is the main explanation for the current reception crisis, as the number of reception places is historically high. Time and time again, the government asks for more funds and personnel for the asylum services, and time and time again, the backlog continues to increase.  That is how you drive the asylum system itself into a ditch.”

Theo Francken submitted a bill to tighten reception rights to the European minimum, but it was voted down. “Incomprehensible.”