Belgium ‘wrong to deny’ Syrians visas, Europe court told

EU states must issue entry visas to people at risk of torture or inhuman treatment, the European Court of Justice’s top adviser has said. The advice concerns the case of a Syrian family denied visas by Belgium, which argues it is not obliged to admit everyone from a war zone. If the court accepts the […]

EU states must issue entry visas to people at risk of torture or inhuman treatment, the European Court of Justice’s top adviser has said.
The advice concerns the case of a Syrian family denied visas by Belgium, which argues it is not obliged to admit everyone from a war zone.
If the court accepts the finding, critics say it could open up a new path for migrants to reach Europe.
But Belgium’s immigration minister has pointed out the advice is not binding.
Theo Francken said member states and the European Commission were “aware of the great precedent value” such a ruling would set.
In a similar recent case, he vowed not to open the door to “asylum chaos”.
The outspoken minister has refused to pay daily fines imposed by a tribunal for refusing to admit another Syrian family.