Vlaams Belang proposes Ostend Airport as ‘return hub’ for migrants
Vlaams Belang wants to turn Ostend Airport into a return hub for transmigrants and people residing illegally in Belgium. Party chairman Tom Van Grieken made the proposal on Saturday during an “emergency meeting” in Ostend.
According to the party, those apprehended would be transferred to a closed return centre at the airport. “From there, return flights can easily be organised directly to the country of origin or to safe third countries with which return agreements exist,” the party said.
“Every strong migration policy requires a strong return policy as a cornerstone. That is why Vlaams Belang wants to turn Ostend Airport into a major remigration hub,” said Van Grieken. He added, “A serious and efficient migration policy stands or falls with return. A deportation order must not remain a scrap of paper. Anyone residing illegally in our country must be tracked down, detained, and sent back, because illegality disrupts our society.”
He also criticised the federal government, saying it was failing to implement a stricter return policy linked to the new European migration pact, and pointed to public support, claiming that 76.6 per cent of Flemings back active tracking down and deportation of people without legal status.
Flemish MP and Ostend resident Tom Lamont also backed the idea, calling Ostend “the painful symbol of a failing migration and security policy.” He said: “Ostend was once the queen of seaside resorts, but today more and more people are talking about the city of misery,” adding that irregular migration “disrupts the entire society and costs a fortune.”
Van Grieken said the proposed hub would centralise returns. “A specialised illegal immigration police force actively tracks down illegal immigrants and takes them directly to the remigration hub,” he said. “There, they remain behind closed doors until the day of deportation. There is no better location for this remigration hub than Ostend Airport. Away from residential areas, in a region where suitable and secure infrastructure is available.”
#FlandersNewsService | Ostend Airport © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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