For some reason, this issue attracted my immense attention. I would search for news about it almost everyday for the past few weeks. I will read almost every major and tabloid news, especially the comments section where I can understand how the general netizens think.
If I am a white Briton born in the UK, I would probably be high on nationalism right now. I will fight all the way to preserve the British culture in the UK, stopping immigrants from taking over our jobs and altering our beloved culture and Christian heritage. But no, I'm just a Malaysian student studying in the UK. This essay is written based on what I saw on the news and reflect upon.
Since the implementation of the Schengen area, EU citizens are experiencing the highest level of freedom in movement than ever. The abolishment of border control between Schengen countries has revolutionized the lifestyle of average Europeans in terms of travelling.
According to the Schengen area visa requirements, citizens from countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Eritrea, Libya, Nigeria...etc have to obtain a visa prior entering the Schengen countries. However, the European Union has a generous policy for refugees and asylum applicants. Refugees are entitled to apply for asylum. However, one should note the difference between refugee and migrant. By definition, refugees are people who are escaping from war and instability. Migrants are people moving from place to place.
The sad thing is that, I reckon most UK citizens (or at least from DailyMail keyboard warriors) generalised that migrants are Muslims, illegal, scoundrels, benefits claimers and are here to steal jobs and destroy the British culture. There is a distinctive difference between illegal migrants and legal migrants. Not all migrants are Muslims; not all migrants are illegal, not all migrants are scoundrels; you get the point.
The funny thing about UK is that any person from EU can come to UK to look for job and to stay indefinitely. In other words, any idiot from EU can stay as long as they wish in the UK. On the other hand, non-EU citizens have to go through strict work visa application in order to stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years. Hence, some of the brightest talents are not even allowed to enter UK. You will get the picture that UK in a sense that is open to idiots in EU and rejecting bright minds across the globe. Comparing the immigration policy of Australia, USA and UK, it is obvious that Australia and USA are more welcoming towards highly-skilled workers compared to UK. Australia and USA are fair in terms of immigration policy. No matter where you're from, as long as you're talented, you're more than welcome to work in Australia/USA and contribute to the economy. In UK, it is more biased towards EU citizens. Hence, even highly skilled workers from USA, Canada, Australia find it difficult to obtain a work permit just because these countries are not in the EU.
Back to the refugee/migrants issue. A true refugee will seek refuge in safe country. They will flee from countries of wars to countries with peace. Hence, true refugees will be more than happy to stay, apply for asylum, start a new life in any safe countries. But why are these "refugees" are forcing their way to Germany? Isn't Greece and Italy or Hungary safe? They resorted to breaking the law, riot, violence and protest in order to exercise their "right" of getting free food, shelter and passage to Germany. No, these are not refugees. These are economic illegal migrants. Strictly speaking, refugee status only apply to people fleeing from wars in Eritrea and Syria. The migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria...etc are economic in nature. They came over to Europe for better opportunities in life and wealth. It is easier to get into Europe as a refugee than being an average worker trying to obtain a work permit. This crisis has offered the economic migrants a backdoor to enter Europe easily without having to meet the requirements as any work permit applicants do. If I'm from Pakistan, I will see this as a great opportunity to get into Europe (especially Germany) easily without having to go through all the tedious and strict visa applications. I'll just throw my passport away and fake myself as a Syrian.
I know I am so cold hearted with regards to the migrant crisis. It is undeniable that many lives have been lost in searching for a greener pasture. If only the government of every country curbs the illegal activities of human smugglers into Europe.
These are a few suggestions on How UK can respond to the migrant crisis:
1. Get out of European Union. The quota allocation of refugee as suggested by Germany's chancellor will only bring more harm than good.
2. Apply similar immigration policy as Australia and USA. This will lead to economic growth as only the brightest and highly-skilled migrants are able to come in and work. Brain gain is good for any country, especially UK.
3. Strengthen the border control. Any intruders from Calais will be prosecuted and locked up. (it sounds cruel but I think that will give a clear message to would-be illegal immigrants)
4. Above all, don't take in "refugees", Take only real refugees. But be careful on the numbers taken, because I am sure that there will be endless influx of "refugees" into Europe.
These are a few suggestions on How EU can respond to the migrant crisis:
1. Strengthen the borders please. When the borders are impenetrable by pathetic law-breaking "refugees", they will stop coming in large numbers, eventually.
2. Build more UN refugee camps across the middle east and africa. I believe it is better than providing benefits, shelter, jobs for 800,000. Dealing with the root of the problem is the cure.
3. Stop the war in the middle east. End of war=no more refugees. Kurdistan a country. No more ISIS, division of land according to Islamic sects, stop blaming Israel for every bad occurance...etc. But I think this is never feasible.
I just hope for the best for UK. You are in my prayers.
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