Belgian minister opposes entry of 13 students from Gaza
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has opposed allowing 13 Palestinian students from Gaza, who have scholarships to study in Belgium, to enter the country. In some cases, the students have already been issued visas, Anadolu Agency reports.
Concerns over consequences
In an interview with Belgian public broadcaster VRT, Van Bossuyt said that authorities must consider the possible consequences of such a decision. According to her, allowing entry for 13 people could create a “domino effect,” as they may later apply for family reunification or file asylum applications.
The minister also questioned why a similar approach should not apply to people from other conflict-affected countries, including Yemen, Sudan and Afghanistan.
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University and organization reaction
According to VRT, some Palestinian students have been waiting for an opportunity to come to Belgium for up to two years. Herwig Leirs, rector of the University of Antwerp, said that their arrival is a matter of political will.
Floor Didden, a representative of the Belgian development organization 11.11.11, criticized the minister’s position. He stressed that the students were invited by a Belgian university and that scholarships have been provided for them. In his view, they have the right to come to Belgium.
