Categories: World

Unlike 2015, Covid hit Europe cold shoulders Afghan asylum seekers

<p>
Europe, unlike 2015, is not willing to provide asylum to Afghan refugees who are fleeing the country. In 2015, over a million refugees from the Middle Eastern countries–  primarily Syria migrated to Europe. Though typically, in the medium to long term, migration boosts consumption and provides greater flexibility to the labour market, governments across the continent this time fear a social backlash especially as the Covid 19 hit fragile economy has just started to recover.</p>
<p>
A study by the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/file_import/ip033_en_2.pdf">European Commission</a> in 2016 said that migration often can lead to rise in public spending due to expenses related to rescue operations, border protection (especially if managing an external EU border), registration of asylum seekers, and the short-term provision of food, health care and shelter for transit countries. For destination countries, spending may also include elements like social housing, training, education and expenditure related to refugees’ integration and welfare benefits, it said.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/of-displaced-persons-in-afghanistan-are-women-kids-says-un-refugee-agency-109729.html">80% of 500,000 displaced persons in Afghanistan are women & kids, says UN Refugee Agency</a></strong></p>
<p>
This is something no leader would want to take upon especially after the damages induced by the Covid 19 pandemic.</p>
<p>
“We must anticipate and protect ourselves against significant irregular flows of migration that would endanger those who use them and fuel trafficking of all kinds,” Emmanuel Macron, who is set to run for a second term as French president next year, said.</p>
<p>
Besides, there is an added apprehension of problems arising out of a patchy integration process between the migrants and their host countries.</p>
<p>
“For Member States with ageing populations and shrinking workforces, migration could alter the age distribution in a way that may strengthen sustainability. However, if the potential human capital is not used well, the inflow could also weaken fiscal sustainability,” the study said.</p>
<p>
Though trends suggest that the European economy could well be on a recovery path, the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic and the uncertainties.</p>
<p>
“It is a tricky situation. After all, the refugees cannot be left in the lurch and there is need for compassion. But at the same time there are short to medium term economic implications that may or may not prove beneficial. Governments across are not willing to take a chance at this time when geopolitical and geoeconomics shifts are happening rapidly,” a foreign policy analyst told India Narrative.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/russia-doesn-t-want-afghan-terrorists-in-guise-of-refugees-in-central-asia-says-putin-109622.html">Russia doesn’t want Afghan terrorists in guise of refugees in Central Asia, says Putin</a></strong></p>
<p>
The analyst added that the governments now also want to pass on a message that providing asylum to refugees cannot be a regular affair.</p>
<p>
“There was overall support for migrants in 2015 but in the Covid ravaged society, the mood is different in most places,” the analyst said.</p>

Mahua Venkatesh

Mahua Venkatesh specialises in covering economic trends related to India and the world along with developments in South Asia.

Recent Posts

New Zealand Foreign Minister arrives Kathmandu on two days’ visit, ahead Everest Day

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived Kathmandu on his…

7 hours ago

Indian, Mongolian armies to hold 17th ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ joint exercise in Ulaanbaatar

The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces will commence the 17th edition of their…

9 hours ago

“Never thought this would happen…”: Pandi Ram Mandavi on receiving Padma Shri for wood craft

Pandi Ram Mandavi, a renowned artist from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was conferred the Padma Shri award…

9 hours ago

Taiwan slams China’s Cross-Strait summits as ‘United Front Lectures,’ shuns events in Beijing

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) criticised China on Wednesday for organising two summits for Taiwanese…

11 hours ago

ETGE slams UNWTO official for endorsing China’s tourism drive amid ongoing Uyghur genocide

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) vehemently denounces Mr. Francesco Frangialli, the Honorary Secretary-General…

11 hours ago

US lawmakers urge AI Safety Institute to counter China’s growing AI threat

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the…

12 hours ago