Muslims in France
In the past, the Muslim population from France used to be rather submissive and did not use to stand up for their rights. The new generation, which is more powerful, thinks that they have the right to fight for a better life and they do not accept to be disregarded in social, political and geographical spaces. However, not all the Muslims do something to improve their situation. Some of them deliberately choose to go against the French culture and do things to shock.
My opinion
Even if they hold French nationality, the Muslism population is still seen in France as a ‘second hand’ population. Discriminated against, tey only get to do those jobs that ‘fully fledged’ Frenchmen would not do. They are still part of the precariat. France is a lot behind the UK in terms of integration of the Muslim. North-African workers in France are eligible for state-based social security. However, since it is linked to employment history, they can find themselves in a precarious status because of the discrimination they face in the labour market. The main question is whether the system of social protection is effective enough to provide them with security. However, even if discrimination on the labour market is a big issue in France, we should be honest and recognise that many Muslims do no do anything to get a job, but are happy to live on social benefits.
UK: Ban on takaway jobs for non-EEAcitizens
According to new rules, migrants outside the European Economic Area will not be allowed to work in the UK as chefs in takeway restaurants. A similar ban will cover other jobs such as hairdressers, beauty salon managers and estate agent starting April. Immigration Minister Damian Green: "These changes will allow firms to bring in people with necessary skills without migrants becoming the first resort to fill a wide range of available jobs. This government is also determined to get people back to work and provide business with the skills they need from the British workforce - reducing the need for migrants at the same time as we reduce their number."
My opinion
Given the current economic situation, where the unemployment is high, many tabloids refer to 'British jobs for British people'. However, I have one question: “Will British people work in the jobs which will no longer be available to non EEA migrants?”. Probably not.
UK: Tighter rules for student visas
Home Secretary Theresa May stated that that “too many were here to work and not to study”. In that respect, she announced to cut the number of student visas by up to 80,000. New rules concerning the level of English language, dependants, Tier 4 sponsors 5education providers) will be introduces in order to curb the numbers of non-genuine students. Shadow home secretary said that new rules should not damage the education industry which is worth around £5bn/year.
My opinion
The reforms of Tier 4 have at their core the reduction of bogus students and bogus colleges. Many colleges sell immigration, not education. They provide a route for students to come to the UK, and many of these students are not interested in studying, but working. Theresa May has said that the new rules will not harm universities, but only bogus colleges. I think it is a good way to limit the abuses on the system
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12820645
REPORT: Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) – UK
Key Findings
- Longer and more bureaucratic path to ‘earned citizenship’: will newcomers contribute more to their communities, or less?
- Some of strongest anti-discrimination laws and equality policies.
- 2010 Equality Act makes law and duties simpler and easier to use.
- 21-year age limit for sponsors, spouses, partners: to fight forced marriage?
- UK policies for non-EU workers and families only half-way favourable: better career opportunities and more secure family life in CA and US.
- Schools in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland are some of best prepared for newcomer pupils, leading European countries of immigration.
- Strongest commitment to implement intercultural education.
The numbers of asylum seekers fleeing North Africa are “fiction”, says French official
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, there has not been a massive influx of asylum seers in Europe as a result of the arabic spring. The President of the French Office fr Immigration and Integration stated that except the arrivals in Lampedusa, the mass influx advocated by the media is “fiction”.
My opinion
I always find it interesting to read the press from different countries. To see what different papers focus on, how they tackle the same topic. I usually read French, British and some European (can I say that?) online news such as Le Monde, BBC, Presseurope and le Courrier International and Marianne. So know you know on what side of the political wing I am! I think we could never find such an article on BBC, could we?
The Lampedusa case should not be overlooked. What I mean is that even if other countries did not receive too many asylum seekers, Lampedusa continues to be the 'sanctuary' for ongoing numbers of people fleeing North Africa. Almost 2000 people arrived on the island on the 27th and 28th of March.
Author: Claudia Paraschivescu claudia.paraschivescu@gmail.com
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