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This is a big question here in Uganda where hundreds of our family members and colleagues flee to Western Europe and North America to seek refuge. There are many reasons that shape this migratory movement.
Political turmoil and clashes usually push many people out of their homelands in search of a better life, security and protection from persecution. Some of these eventually become permanent settlers, clandestine or illegal workers or refugees.
But for the case of Uganda, many middle-age people have migrated for economic reasons and not persecution. This may be referred to as labour migration resulting from widespread unemployment in the country. It is also not true that many Ugandans seek refuge due to completely unbearable life here at home. Many of these people are not fleeing starvation and a lack of shelter but are on a search for high life on the streets of London. Surely no one can leave Uganda unless they can pay US $ 1000 for the flight to Gatwick or risk a two month trip on a cargo ship.
People on their way out usually hope to find anchorage in the host nation. But the decision to move involves the risk of an expected job not forthcoming or even worse failing to make it through the weighty immigration scrutiny. And many times there is no home feeling at all even after managing to reach one’s destination.
A wide range of residents I managed to speak to have described varying circumstances of relatives who have moved to the UK.
Carol is living in isolation after leaving her family five years ago. She has given them express instructions not to write any letters to her or even unnecessary calls while at work. Though she is able to support herself and siblings in Uganda, ‘Paradise Island’ turns out to be cold enjoyment for her.
Tina, a 27-year old university graduate left Uganda five years ago to catch up with her Ugandan boyfriend in Manchester. She could not make it directly to Britain and had to stay in France for a while. Soon Tina found her way to Britain and joined her boyfriend. She has since been granted refugee status and has a baby who is cared for by UK tax payers. She’s also been given a new house in a council estate. Tina recently sent several thousand pounds home to buy a plot of land on which her new house will be erected.
Tina’s case is a typical situation for many Ugandans living in the UK on ‘fake refugee claims’.
Some shrewd men and women on arrival in the UK throw their passports in the sewer so as to justify their cause for seeking refuge. Others I have learnt refuse to speak a word of English and resort to sign language. This way they can draw many sympathizers.
I am happy for bona fide refugees to be given safe sanctuary in Britain, but how I wish the resources spent on these phoney asylum-seekers are used to help our starving folks in Northern Uganda instead of being squandered on opportunists.
Many people have sought asylum and they work long hours doing the hardest, most physical work which permanent employees and local British people won't do. Many are highly educated and skilled and with the current shortage of caregivers like nurses and unskilled workers these refugees would fill the gap.
Perhaps it is better to find employment for refugees for a given period of time after which they are required to return to their homes and contribute to rebuilding of their societies - this would provide opportunities in those countries and ultimately reduce the flow of immigrants to countries like Britain, Canada and the United States.
There are usually claims that host countries should treat the incoming asylum seekers as fellow human beings not as unwelcome intruders. But if enough scrutiny is done, refugee status should be granted to citizens of countries like Palestine, Israel or The Sudan where there is real disaster. Many of these people have lost parents, children and other close relatives and have suffered tremendously.
Today's refugees have the money to hire other people’s bank statements so as to acquire entry permits to the UK. If this money is spent on starting up a small business enterprise, they would be better off staying home. That's the sad reality of today's refugee problem. Genuine refugees cannot afford to travel six thousand kilometres away from home!
I think the belief in this refugee trick thrives on a bad culture of wanting to have free things. I am not in favour of giving free housing to someone who runs away from their parent’s home in Uganda for the streets in London.
The influx of immigrants, whether skilled or unskilled can be a positive force bringing either expertise or hard work to the host nation. But we Ugandans should not run away from problems at home leaving the old and children to wallow in a mess! It is time we looked the economic crisis in our country in the face and work out solutions instead of sucking the blood of tax payers in wealthy nations!
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Charles Sendegeya
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Charles Mpumwire | Jan 25th, 2005
Thats a reality that is happening in Uganda because many of our relatives and friends have gone out and made such desperate attempts.
peter mukunya | Jan 26th, 2005
To Seek refugee or not!
I can not say it's not true that Africans or persons in developing countries are leaving thier birth countries to look for opportunities in other countries. However, before we start criticizing these people, we should understand why they opt for this option. Charles, as a person in Uganda, you should be in a better position to understand the economic, social and political situation in the country. For example, graduates waking up everyday to move around Kampala streets looking for work and by the end of the day, he/ she goes back home with nothing. The corruption in the employment system of our countries is also making very many educated or young graduates to seek or look at the option of leaving the the country. Secondly, Charles and Mpumwire, we should thank these people for what they are doing interms of development back home. According to Ugandan statistics, the money that our friends we are now calling "Fake refugee claim{er}s,(Charles) is more than what Uganda gets the government of Uganda gets from taxes. In other words, if one has a chance of leaving the country with a view of working and sending money back to Uganda, we should be happy for them and encourage them for doing us a service which i will call, 'pay back'. to developed countries that used it before us. Before i stop, allow me to thank all of you for the contribution you are making to Issues affecting Youths in Africa. Peace and grace Peter Mukunya [del]
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