Managing public reluctances
The migrant crisis is so complicated. European countries are suffering from financial problems and can’t accommodate the thousands of migrants – especially illegal ones. Many regions in the Middle East are a complete mess and many people here are willing to risk their lives to get a better chance at a decent lifestyle. Nevertheless, countries like Italy are doing a great job in rescuing migrants who come by boat and they try really hard to find them decent shelter and food.
Renewing polices on immigration will ultimately allow more immigration, which seems to annoy people in Europe who think that their culture will melt away eventually because migrants are outnumbering them.
From Mr Samer Ashour
UAE
They are living a nightmare
We are blessed to be living in safe environments, being able to provide not only for ourselves, but for our families, as well. We should be thankful to God for what we have and, in return, try to help the less fortunate communities and countries as much as possible. Putting yourself in their shoes, think how you would feel to be denied entry to a safer world. I understand the need for countries to have laws and regulations, but not so harsh that you send them back to the nightmare they have been living in.
From Ms Charmaine Clayton
UAE
Apply like we all do
The simple and only answer is that no, countries can’t let everyone in and anyone who is fleeing and hoping for refugee status should be sent back. They are seeking illegal entry. That would stop the illegal trafficking and the senseless cases of drowning at sea. If they want to leave their own country, they should apply, like the rest of us have to for a proper visa.
From Mr David Woodward
UAE
Plan needed for humanity
Obviously, the international community and human rights agencies have to come forward with a concrete plan to cope with the growing refugee issue and migration issues in order to save humanity. Although, each and every country has their own issues. Also, I think that the international community should take extra efforts to end the crisis and conflict raging in nations through peaceful means.
From Mr Qassim Mohammad
Dubai
Proper identity checks
The responsibility of countries depends on the status of the migrant. If they are refugees, then accept them. At least one struggle will be over for them, for the sake of humanity. They, too, have a right to live in peace. Otherwise, send them back if they don’t have proper identification.
From Mr Sid Mohialdin
UAE
Fine to stay, not forever
If your neighbour’s house was destroyed in a fire, would you let him or her stay in your house? You would, but only for a certain amount of time. What holds true for an individual probably holds true for a country.
From Ms Arshia Wasif Ahmad
UAE
‘Bleeding heart blackmail’
We must do something, but Italy cannot take the whole lot! There has to be quite stern and pragmatic measures taken. I do not understand Eritrea. We have business from there and business appears to be normal and the same goes for Ethiopia.
The governments of both countries should be pushed to control their borders more! The coast of Libya must be patrolled more and the refugees need to be told that eventually they will be turned back, as Australia did.
There are already too many out of work, especially youth in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Sorry, but we do not need or want these people. The economic fact is that we do not have the jobs or the cash to support these uninvited arrivals.
Rich nations need to do more to help the countries concerned – a soft voice and a big stick type of diplomacy.
The solutions have to be humane and pragmatic, but not ‘bleeding heart blackmail’ tactics. The word has to get out to these people and the Syrian and Turkish governments must do their bit also.
These people need to be rescued - that is a given. But, not a ‘forever’ solution. In the long term we need to help in building the countries where these migrants come from, areas often with vast resources that can offer a good life for its people.
From Mr Keith Lupton
UAE
A migrating issue for concern
For decades, immigration has been confined to certain nationalities and to specific countries, and it is tied to the migration of earning a living. At the present time, wars have affected parts of the world and most of those countries have disintegrated. The phenomenon of illegal immigration is increasing and worsening, but now it has begun to affect some of the self-sufficient countries.
I’m not an expert on the subject of illegal immigration or refugees; however, I think that the problem will be solved if we rework the common international immigration laws.
If we look at history, you will find that the main causes of migration vary from one place to another.
For the opposition states or those who are interested in the issue of illegal immigration, I suggest caution and initiative to embrace this phenomenon to find solutions before it is too late and you find yourself confronted with this problem in your countries.
From Mr Mohammad Al Hajeri
Al Ain
Let us be a global village
Disproportionate distribution of natural resources and wealth, lack of welfare schemes, corruption, malnutrition, terrorism and safety concerns are the root causes in the poor and developing countries that have triggered a mass exodus of illegal migrants. To stop such influx of migrants, it is the responsibility of international community to jointly and effectively address the problems of the concerned nations and work for the safety and welfare of the people.
Failure in taking such actions reminds us that there is a deliberate attempt by some countries with vested interest to further aggravate the conditions of such strife-torn countries. Let the world be a global village by making the immigration procedures simple on humanitarian grounds for the people who are in dire need of safety and protection.
From Mr Aslam Doi
Dubai
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