The changing face of UK illegal immigration
Updated: 2015-08-07 07:41
By Chris Peterson(China Daily)
|
||||||||
Reactions range from trying to establish a system that would make the more desperate feel welcome to those of outright hostility, with demands for migrants, few of whom seem to speak English or have ties with this country, to be sent back.
To say the system is confused would be understating it. Rules of asylum laid down by international treaties, to which both France and Britain are signatories, say asylum seekers should request shelter in the first country they land in after leaving their native land.
Events in Calais prove that to be a hopelessly impossible task. Add to the fact that many have destroyed any proof of identity they might have been carrying, making repatriation a well-nigh impossible task.
London Mayor Boris Johnson once estimated that it would take 30 jumbo jet flights a week to repatriate an estimated 500,000-750,000 illegal immigrants living and working here - if the country knew where to send them. Better, he said, to grant a one-off amnesty.
Even among more liberal sections of British society, voices have been raised saying, "there's no room, Britain is full up".
Others say the country should change its welfare system, which allows for migrants and asylum-seekers to be housed and paid weekly benefits. These are seen as a "pull factor", attracting migrants from a variety of places. The irony, of course, is that Britain's steadily improving economy is creating more jobs, another pull factor.
Wars in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan, initiated with Western involvement, are also to blame. No one, least of all the beleaguered British and French governments, knows how it will end.
One thing is for sure - it will end in tears.
The author is managing editor for Europe for China Daily. chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |