Refugees struggle in Belgium amid govt plans to curb immigration

Some refugees in Belgium rely on charity-run hostels to survive as the country plans to reduce illegal migration.

In this Sept. 1, 2015 file photo, a young child waits in line at a migrant reception centre in Brussels.
AP

In this Sept. 1, 2015 file photo, a young child waits in line at a migrant reception centre in Brussels.

In September, the Belgian government announced new plans to reduce illegal immigration, including detaining families with children while many of the refugees in Belgium rely on charities for food and shelter.

The country strictly adheres to the Dublin Regulation which states that asylum seekers entering Europe must apply in the first country they arrive in. Since some refugees came via Italy or Greece, the Belgian government is reluctant to let them stay.

"Last week I went three days without food. I only drank some water. Sometimes people will give me something to eat. I don't have a future. I'm afraid now about the future," said Sulaiman Harmoosh, a Syrian refugee.

Around 45,000 refugees have arrived in Belgium in the past four years.

Charity groups accuse the government of taking drastic measures to discourage anyone from seeking asylum.

TRT World's Shamim Chowdhury has more from Brussels.

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