Myria just released the second thematic section of its 2024 annual report. This section entitled "Access to the territory" presents the key figures related to short-stay visas and long-stay visas, as well as the different reasons and nationalities that stood out in 2023. Among other conclusions:

• In 2023, the number of applications for short-stay visas (C visa) increased compared to the years 2020-2022, but remains lower than in the years before the pandemic (8% to 12% less).
   
• The number of applications for long-stay visas (D visas) has been increasing since 2020, reaching higher levels than before the start of the pandemic.
   
• In 2023, migrations for family reasons account for 45% of long-stay visas (D visas), making this reason the most common for this type of visa. Long-stay visas for study reasons come in second, representing 26% of the total, with a predominance of beneficiaries from China, Cameroon and Morocco.

Myria focuses on the situation in Gaza, and more particularly on the specific situation of Palestinians in Belgium and their attempts to bring their relatives stranded in Gaza back to them through visa and evacuation procedures:

• Those stranded in Gaza who want to apply for family reunification visas continue to face practical problems, including meeting documentary requirements, such as providing original documents or proving family ties.
   
• Family members in Gaza are unable to apply for a visa on humanitarian grounds as the application must be made in person, which is not possible under the current circumstances.

Myria therefore calls on the authorities to show greater flexibility, which is essential to guarantee the effective right to family life and to ensure that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration.

For further details, please read the press release from Myria in French or in Dutch, and read the thematic section "Access to the territory" in French or in Dutch.