VOIX Issue II: October 2013 | Page 11

On October 2, 2013, the world witnessed an incident that took the lives of 350 people out of 500 who hoped that they would reach the island. Testaments by survivors claimed the boat’s small engine failed at sea, pushing several passengers to light a fire in hopes of attracting nearby boats. It ended in tragedy- the boat lit on fire and sunk, trapping many, especially children. This boat incident is catastrophic, given the large number of people who drowned simultaneously under such dire circumstances, but the question of migration control has caused another wave of discussion in Europe.

Migrants aboard the boat and those who safely reached Lampedusa, come from various countries in Africa and the Middle East, and despite dogmas among the international community, many are women and children. Over the past few months, an increase in the number of migrants from Syria, Eretria and Somalia have been noticed and this, for obvious reasons, is due to the political and economic crises that have occurred in the aforementioned countries. Nevertheless, it should be noted that many of the migrants, unknowingly, were victims of human trafficking networks and/or fishermen who wished to make alterative income.

At the end, many migrants choose to enter Europe through illegal channels simply because they have no other choice; they tend to be unskilled laborers, unskilled workers, with little or no knowledge of a foreign language. Immigration policies, even with the valid motives, tend to be rooted in xenophobia towards the ‘African’, ‘Muslim’, ‘Arab’ – or whatever racial stereotype is sexy these days. However, what the politicians fail to understand is that restrictive immigration policies put huge dents on their economies, as migrants tend to do the dirties jobs available and collectively send thousands of euros home – which may at times seem drastically more than aid sent to their respective countries.

Italy has shipped back hundreds of migrants back to their country of origin or other transit countries such as Libya, to avoid liability. It has failed to deter its’ migrant influx but at the same time it has open its borders putting into consideration the dire situations many have escaped from. The answer to this latent humanitarian crisis that has been brewing silently should be resolved from the country of origin, stronger and influential countries, albeit many of them European countries should perhaps invest in this dilemma by having flexible immigration laws. This will contribute to their economy by providing a steady influx of much needed unskilled labor, deter any illegal channels and give a chance to a better life to those who seek one.

EUROPE:

A Safe Haven for Immigrants?

Thousands of African immigrants arrive by boat every year trying to find a better way of life in Europe.

image: Morgan Hough

Doa'a Abdel-Rahman

VOIX Politics Editor

@D3akar

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