03/05/2006

"People without papers" join forces

In Antwerp, a group of asylum seekers and illegals have started an asylum relay from one place of worship to another. Most of the people involved are staying illegally in Belgium and do not have the right paperwork. They want to draw the attention of the government by joining forces. Different religious leaders in Antwerp have also stepped in, offering asylum seekers shelter in their churches, mosques or chapels.

The Flemish daily De Morgen points out that more and more Roman Catholic priests, protestant ministers or imams are supporting protest actions by asylum seekers who occupy churches.

Some of them have even opened their doors to welcome them and offer them a roof over their heads.

The religious community of Sant'Egidio in Antwerp offered 30 illegal people a place to sleep in its Magdalena Chapel on Monday night.

They will be staying there for two weeks and move to a Protestant church and a mosque later on, setting up a relay.

Churches invite asylum seekers

Jan De Volder, spokesman for the Sant'Egidio community in Antwerp, stressed that it was the community who invited the people.

"Our chapel hasn't been occupied. We are simply granting asylum to these people in our church," he was quoted as saying by De Morgen.

"Two months elapsed but nothing happened" "In February, we organised a march in Antwerp (an estimated 7,000 people took to the streets on 25 February), offering the government the chance to change regulations and make them more humane," Jan De Volder added.

"Two months later, nothing much has happened. That's why we are sounding the alarm."

Mr De Volder explained that all immigrants seeking a legal residence permit are welcome.

They can add their names to a list, which will be handed over to Interior Minister Patrick Dewael (Flemish liberal) later on.