Federal MP Theo Francken (N-VA) considers it necessary to put in place a more restrictive migration policy.
Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration from 2014 to 2018 under Charles Michel, Theo Francken has since camped on the benches of the opposition in the Chamber. During the past three years, he has nevertheless remained sensitive to a problem that he considers “relevant” for Belgium’s economic balance.
However, he deplores a deficit debate on Belgium’s migration policy, which he considers too lax. “The debate on migration is necessaryhe confides. This is a relevant debate that deserves to be conducted. I would like a debate like what is happening in England, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Austria, the USA or even France. However, in Belgium, there is nothing. Talking about immigration remains taboo. When we dare to put the debate on the table, we are always accused of racism, of being fascist, of discriminating against foreigners. And it is a shame because it is nevertheless a debate that must be carried out.
The N-VA deputy takes the example of a study carried out by the professor of the University of Ghent, Stijn Baert. “According to this study, almost half (44%) of foreigners from outside the European Union of working age (25-64) are neither working nor looking for a job at all.commente Theo Francken. For women, it’s even 60%. If you count long-term job seekers, the share is much higher. We are the European champions in this area. It’s shocking. But when we talk about the problem, we are immediately accused of racism.