The number of persons without proper documents on the coast is on the rise, according to police and the Governor of the Province of West Flanders, Carl Decaluwé. Ninety-seven migrants were arrested at the border between France and Belgium Monday and Tuesday in control operations carried out in public transport. Most came from Iraq and Syria. About twenty others were also identified Monday at place de la Gare in La Panne.
“A few days ago, we also found 36 persons illegally in the country at Jabbeke. A small camp had been established,” stated the Governor. “It is too soon to declare a new trend, but this indicates that the situation must be followed closely,” he observed. “Keeping the situation manageable and no tents in West Flanders,” continues to be the slogan for Carl Decaluwé.
For police of the coastal area, the repeatedly announced evacuation of the “Jungle” refugee camp of Calais may explain the increase observed. The Governor agrees, but has nevertheless indicated that there are mixed signals. “On the one hand, the French Prefecture seeks progressive dismantling, and on the other, Great Britain will apparently invest in a wall for driver protection”.
(Source: Belga)
