Immigration has emerged as a pressing global issue, particularly for first-world countries, where the influx of foreign nationals has sparked intense debate and polarised opinions. As a keen observer, I’ve often encountered natives of these countries voicing reservations and frustrations about the changing demographics and perceived threats to their cultural identity. My response? Silence. Not because I dismiss their concerns, but because I recognise that they are a complex mix of genuine anxieties and baseless fears rooted in the innate human phobia of the ‘other’ and the unknown. As we navigate this contentious landscape, it is essential to separate fact from fiction, empathy from xenophobia, and constructive dialogue from divisive rhetoric. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of immigration, exploring its challenges, benefits, and the human stories that get lost in the noise.
In stark contrast to today’s complex immigration landscape, ancient civilisations welcomed strangers with relative ease. During the Roman Empire, for instance, people moved freely across vast territories, and citizenship was often granted to those who contributed to society. Similarly, ancient Greece and Rome absorbed various cultures through conquests and alliances. Fast-forward to modern times, and the narrative shifts dramatically. Today, rigid borders, stringent visa requirements, and lengthy application processes characterise the immigration experience. What changed? The rise of nation-states, concerns over national security, and economic protectionism have created barriers. Moreover, modern immigration policies often prioritise economic interests over humanitarian needs, leaving many asylum seekers and refugees in limbo. This stark contrast between past and present underscores the urgency for revisiting and revising our immigration policies to balance security concerns with compassion and inclusivity.
The Conservative party’s 14-year rule in the UK saw significant shifts in immigration policy, marked by a tightening of borders and a focus on reducing net migration. Notable cases and controversies include:
- The Windrush scandal (2018): Hundreds of Commonwealth citizens, largely from the Caribbean, were wrongly detained, deported, or denied rights.
- The hostile environment policy’s impact on migrant healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
- The Rwanda asylum seeker deal (2022): A controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda sparked legal challenges.
With the Labour party now in power, there are expectations of a shift in immigration policy. Labour has promised to scrap the hostile environment policy by introduc ing a more inclusive, fair, and efficient system. They also aim to prioritise family reunification and protect refugee rights. Notable Labour proposals include a ‘fair and humane’ asylum system, abolishing the ‘no recourse to public funds’ rule for migrant families and introducing a ‘clear and accessible’ points-based system.
However, it remains to be seen how far Labour will go in reversing Conservative policies.
Ironically, the West, often touted as a beacon of freedom and opportunity, seems more beleaguered by asylum seekers and immigration than the developing world. While third-world countries, already beset by poverty and instability, absorb millions of refugees with limited resources, the UK and Western nations fret over relatively smaller influxes. This disparity highlights a stark reality: the West’s aversion to immigration stems not from capacity constraints, but from a deep-seated unease about cultural identity, economic competition, and security. As the global South struggles to accommodate the displaced, the West’s reluctance to accept its share of the burden raises uncomfortable questions about its commitment to human rights, compassion, and global solidarity.
Pakistan has been a generous host to millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, with approximately 1.4 million registered refugees remaining in the country. However, in recent years, Pakistan has sought to repatriate these refugees amidst growing domestic concerns about security, economic strain, and social tensions.
Repatriation efforts have been ongoing since 2016, with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UNHCR agreeing on a voluntary repatriation plan. However, progress has been slow due to lack of infrastructure and economic opportunities and insecurity and violence in Afghanistan as well as limited international support for repatriation efforts.
Pakistan has taken steps to regularise the status of Afghan refugees. These steps include issuing Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for temporary stay, extension of these cards and allowing refugees to open bank accounts and access to education and healthcare.
Despite these efforts, many Afghan refugees have integrated into Pakistani society, making repatriation difficult.
As the world grapples with the intricacies of migration, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Germany’s pioneering labour migration deal with Kenya. This forward-thinking agreement opens doors for skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to contribute to Germany’s economy, while alleviating Kenya’s pressing issue of youth unemployment. By acknowledging Kenyan qualifications and offering long-term visas for study and vocational training, this partnership sets a precedent for collaborative migration policies that harmonise economic needs with humanitarian concerns. While the spectre of brain drain looms, this deal’s potential to create a virtuous cycle of opportunity and growth cannot be ignored.
The ongoing migrant crises in the UK, Pakistan, and beyond are stark reminders that the quest for safety, dignity, and survival drives human mobility. People flee war-torn homelands, crippling poverty, and persecution, seeking refuge in unfamiliar lands. Unfortunately, policies often prioritise border control over humanitarian concerns. One of the primary concerns surrounding immigration is the perceived link between newcomers and crime rates. However, research overwhelmingly debunks this notion. Studies have consistently shown that immigrants are no more likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. In fact, data from the United States, UK, and other countries reveals that immigration is associated with lower crime rates. For instance, a 2018 study by the Cato Institute found that immigrants in the US committed crimes at a rate 44 per cent lower than native-born Americans. Similarly, UK research by the Migration Observatory (2019) showed that immigration had no significant impact on crime rates.
The UK’s current government has adopted a hardline stance, aiming to deter asylum seekers with stricter laws and offshore processing centers. This approach may stem the flow but neglects the root causes of displacement and undermines the country’s tradition of compassion.
Similarly, Pakistan’s repatriation of Afghan refugees, while necessary for national security, demands a more humane approach.
As I reflect on the complexities of immigration, I’m struck by the jarring disparity between those who navigate the arduous visa process with diligence and dedication, and those who arrive unannounced, driven by desperation. The former – students, skilled workers, and spouses with children – embody the spirit of legality, their perseverance a testament to their genuine desire to contribute and belong. Yet, they’re often entangled in a web of stringent requirements and bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, those who circumvent the system, though often victims of circumstance, undermine the very fabric of immigration policies. This raises a poignant question: shouldn’t fairness dictate that genuine cases be met with more relaxed visa requirements, rewarding their patience and commitment to the legal process? It’s time for first-world countries to reassess their visa policies, prioritising compassion and streamlined processes for those who play by the rules.
Looking into the future, it is crucial to recognise that migration policy shapes not only the fate of migrants but also the character of our societies. Will we choose to build walls or bridges? Will we prioritise fear or humanity? The answers will define our collective destiny.
The writer is a film-maker and an analyst based in UK.
