Number of asylum seekers in Belgium on the rise

The number of asylum applications in Belgium has increased for the second month in a row, while traditionally there are less asylum seekers in the summer months, report De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad.

In July, there were 1,490 applications in Belgium, nearly 14% more than in the same period last year, bringing the number of asylum applications back up to the same level as in January, 2013.

The applications come mostly from Eritreans, but also Syrians and Palestinians who have fled conflict or persecution, says Tine Van Valckenborg, spokeswoman from the General Commission for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGVS).

During the first 7 months of this year, the CGVS granted asylum in 42% of the cases, compared to around 25 to 30% in previous years.