With the advancement in transportation and communications
technology, there is an increase in the displacement of people in search
for better job opportunities in more developed countries. This influx of
immigrants has possible advantages to the host countries such as contributing
to a more competitive and productive workforce, introducing new investments and
business opportunities to promote economic prosperity as well as providing a
pool of cheaper labour to occupy low-skilled and tedious jobs which might be shunned by citizens. However, the rapidly growing population of foreigners and
the lack of integration between locals and immigrants have resulted in
increased tension and conflict which may undermine the social stability of countries. Hence, possible approaches which target different aspects of the
problem such as immigration policies and platforms for interaction between the
two communities are evaluated.
The lack of control of immigration policies and limited opportunities
for foreigners to assimilate into the local society are factors that
result in the rising tension between the locals and immigrants. While having
more open and flexible immigration policies are essential to attract more
foreign talent to contribute to the local economy ("Let them in", 1994), this has led to increased
competition in the workforce which threatens the job security of the locals.
Moreover, the rapid influx of foreign values and ideas may result in the clash
of values due to conflicting ideologies, leading to unhappiness and
discontentment in both communities. This problem may further deteriorate as a
result of social segregation which increases the potential for misunderstanding
and conflict, leading to possible outbreaks of violence. The 2013 riots in
poorer suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden where residents are mostly immigrants
clearly reflected the serious consequences when immigrants failed to integrate
into the local society. The lack of employment opportunities and felt that
they are discriminated against by the general population caused the youths to express
their frustration and anger through violent acts. This in turn resulted in more
local resentment towards the immigrants (Scrutton & Johnson,
2013). Hence, the increased tension between the foreigners and indigenous
people may have dire consequences.
In view of the reasons that lead to the strained relationship
between locals and foreigners, governments have tried many methods to alleviate
the situation. One intervention method used is the implementation of tighter
immigration policies to control the quantity and quality of the immigrants. For
example, the government in Denmark has implemented strict immigration laws
which only allow the entry of foreigners who are able contribute to the economy
prosperity of the country while tightly regulating their access to social
benefits. Non-EU immigrants are also required to learn Danish, local
history and culture. (Day, 2011) While this helps to maximize the
economic benefits of immigrants and limit the potential risk of conflict by
safeguarding the interest of the citizens, it does not tackle the fundamental
problem which is the lack of willingness of locals to embrace foreigners and
create a more inclusive society (Kohut & Wike, 2008). Hence, besides preparing the
foreigners for assimilation into the local community, intervention should also be targeted at the citizens to educate
them about the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation. Thus, local
education should include learning the culture of different societies in order
to promote greater understanding and acceptance of different cultures.
Another approach is the creation of more opportunities for social
interaction and integration. For example, in Singapore, National Integration
Council (NIC) was set up in 2009 to fund projects such as interest-based
activities which provide common platforms for people from different social
backgrounds to interact through sports, the arts and even by volunteering in
social services. Moreover, Programmes that encourage mutual understanding such as
diversity workshops and cultural exchange programmes are actively
promoted (Community Integration Fund, 2010). These regular
interactions help to break down social barriers as they allow locals to
gradually understand the uniqueness of different cultures and change their
negative perception towards the immigrants through clarifications of common
assumptions and stereotypes. Hence, these programmes should be actively promoted and diversified to include more activities such as cultural and food journeys to places that reflect the ways of life in different communities in order to allow greater appreciation of the uniqueness of different culture so that locals will be more willing to accept
foreigners in order to create a cohesive society.
In conclusion, social stability is essential to ensure progress
and development of a country, especially with the influx of immigrants which
change the framework of the society. Hence, programmes which aim to change the
xenophobic ideas of locals should be actively promoted so that locals and
foreigners can live in harmony. Nevertheless, one should realize that
regardless of race, language or religion, every individual is a part of the global community who deserves respect and dignity. Therefore, the decision is
up to the individuals whether to value the uniqueness in everyone and work together
towards creating an inclusive society or to continue emphasize the differences and
build social barriers between one another.
References:
Community Integration Fund. (2010). National Integration
Council Retrieved from: http://app.nationalintegrationcouncil.org.sg/CommunityIntegrationFund.aspx
Day, M. (4 May, 2011). Denmark immigration: Strict rules for small
community of immigrants. The Telegraph. Retrieved from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/denmark/8492900/Denmark-immigration-Strict-rules-for-small-community-of-immigrants.html
Kohut, A., & Wike, R. (2008). Assessing globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of
Let them in:
Asia benefits from more open immigration. (1994). Far Eastern Economic
Review, 157(5), 5. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/208206694?accountid=13876
Scrutton, A., & Johnson, S. (27 May, 2013). Riots put Sweden's
open-door immigration policy in spotlight. Reuters. Retrieved
from: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/27/us-sweden-riots-idUSBRE94Q0E620130527
