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Belgian population expected to peak due to refugee crisis

Belgium
14:17 14/03/2016

In 2016 and 2017 the Belgian population will increase by about 85,000 people each year, according to an estimate by the Federal Planning Bureau. Half of the growth can be attributed to the influx of refugees, writes De Standaard.

Belgium's Federal Planning Bureau and General Statistics Directorate on Monday published the new demographic perspective, which predicts a "significant but not exceptional" increase in the Belgian population over the next two years.

It is estimated that the population will increase by about 85,000 people annually, half of which are 'natural' additions (the number of births minus the number of deaths), while the other half are a direct result of the refugee crisis.

According to the publication, the number of refugees seeking asylum in Belgium in 2016 is expected to remain at a similar level as in the last quarter of 2015, followed by a gradual decrease into 2017.

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

Neo72

I would like to know if those 42.500 are really refugees or also migrants, even Europeans.
Also, how that fits with the last years supposed approved figures of 120,000 refugees in ALL EUROPE (only 2.500 for Belgium).
I think we are not using correctly the words asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, and in my opinion, that could be used with ideological intentions.
MVG

Mar 14, 2016 21:54
Mikek1300gt

I want to know how many are working and net contributors to society. I expect that information may not be easily available. Perhaps we could ask all those young men playing cards in those odd sort of "cafes" in St Josse in the middle of the working day.

Mar 15, 2016 07:39
Neo72

Are you talking about migrants, asylum seekers or refugees?
Do we know if an asylum seeker is allowed to work? or maybe in Belgium most of the asylum requests are denied, leaving them without the right to work?
Suggesting that migrants are lazy or not productive to society is not a xephobic thought?
Even if they are not productive, do we care about WHY?

Mar 15, 2016 08:39