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Asharq Alawsat (English)
January 7, 2012 Saturday
Counter Migration
One of the direct consequences of the Arab Spring is the increasing
number of people emigrating from the countries where the revolutions
took place, compared to the emigration rates prior to the eruption of
these revolutions.
Most people are immigrating to the European continent, particularly
Italy, France, Spain and Greece. However, these countries in
particular, and the European continent in general, is now suffering
from recession, a situation that will very likely last for a long
period of time.
As for the impact that immigrants can have on their new homes, whether
we are talking economically, politically, or culturally, in a world of
extreme globalization where borders and barriers appear to have
vanished; the issue of migration is vital towards realizing the impact
that diasporas can have on the world.
India has one of the largest diasporas in the world, and it has
expatriates in most countries in the world. Indian emigrants were once
under the British Empire, which had a vast influence around the world.
However following independence, the Indian diaspora's role changed,
they became a pillar supporting their new - but ancient - state from
abroad, which in turn was attempting to solve the complicated equation
of independence, glory, and dignity, which represent an extremely
difficult criterion, particularly in view of the domination of
superpowers.
Today, in view of its historic and large diaspora, we can see India
extending its influence across the world, culturally and economically.
India has more than 40 billion dollars in international investment,
and because of its advancement, courage and tremendous
self-confidence, illustrious trademarks and companies such as
"Jaguar", "Land Rover", and others, have become Indian property.
Whilst Bollywood movies have a remarkably strong presence in the
Western markets, to the extent that Bollywood film stars are almost as
famous as their Hollywood peers. This is testimony to the successful
nature of this new India, a country that matches self-confidence with
courage. This cultural success can also be seen in the field of
literature, and the prominence of Indian writers. India's major source
of national income is its human cadres, and this has become a key
characteristic of the new India. Indians are now assuming leading
administrative positions in the world's most prominent companies,
corporations and universities. They compete with and even outshine
other countries that may have a longer history in various important
fields.
It is not just Indians who have made huge successes thanks to their
diasporas, there are also extremely influential Jewish, Armenian,
Chinese, and other diasporas. These diasporas have etched out centres
or fields of influence, the Armenian diaspora for example become
prominent in the gold and jewellery industry of all the countries they
immigrated to, whilst the Jews made vast achievements in the financial
and banking industries, the Chinese in low-cost trade, and so on.
Today, "Arab" diasporas have sprouted up and excelled in more than one
geographic location across the world, including Brazil, Canada,
Australia, Africa, the US, Central America, Argentina, South Africa,
Indonesia, France, Britain, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, Denmark,
Norway, Spain and Italy.
The Arab diaspora is in control of substantial capital in these
countries which they reinvest in their countries of origin, whether
for sentimental or purely financial reasons. In either case, this can
be a source of great benefit to our Arab States, particularly if they
are able to utilize their diasporas in a serious, professional and
effective manner.
Singing the praise of Arab emigrants who have made great achievements
and successes abroad is no longer enough. What is needed today is to
prepare for a counter-migration in order for our Arab States to reap
the maximum possible benefits, whether financially or culturally,
instead of contenting ourselves with media stories and empty rhetoric.
January 7, 2012 Saturday
Counter Migration
One of the direct consequences of the Arab Spring is the increasing
number of people emigrating from the countries where the revolutions
took place, compared to the emigration rates prior to the eruption of
these revolutions.
Most people are immigrating to the European continent, particularly
Italy, France, Spain and Greece. However, these countries in
particular, and the European continent in general, is now suffering
from recession, a situation that will very likely last for a long
period of time.
As for the impact that immigrants can have on their new homes, whether
we are talking economically, politically, or culturally, in a world of
extreme globalization where borders and barriers appear to have
vanished; the issue of migration is vital towards realizing the impact
that diasporas can have on the world.
India has one of the largest diasporas in the world, and it has
expatriates in most countries in the world. Indian emigrants were once
under the British Empire, which had a vast influence around the world.
However following independence, the Indian diaspora's role changed,
they became a pillar supporting their new - but ancient - state from
abroad, which in turn was attempting to solve the complicated equation
of independence, glory, and dignity, which represent an extremely
difficult criterion, particularly in view of the domination of
superpowers.
Today, in view of its historic and large diaspora, we can see India
extending its influence across the world, culturally and economically.
India has more than 40 billion dollars in international investment,
and because of its advancement, courage and tremendous
self-confidence, illustrious trademarks and companies such as
"Jaguar", "Land Rover", and others, have become Indian property.
Whilst Bollywood movies have a remarkably strong presence in the
Western markets, to the extent that Bollywood film stars are almost as
famous as their Hollywood peers. This is testimony to the successful
nature of this new India, a country that matches self-confidence with
courage. This cultural success can also be seen in the field of
literature, and the prominence of Indian writers. India's major source
of national income is its human cadres, and this has become a key
characteristic of the new India. Indians are now assuming leading
administrative positions in the world's most prominent companies,
corporations and universities. They compete with and even outshine
other countries that may have a longer history in various important
fields.
It is not just Indians who have made huge successes thanks to their
diasporas, there are also extremely influential Jewish, Armenian,
Chinese, and other diasporas. These diasporas have etched out centres
or fields of influence, the Armenian diaspora for example become
prominent in the gold and jewellery industry of all the countries they
immigrated to, whilst the Jews made vast achievements in the financial
and banking industries, the Chinese in low-cost trade, and so on.
Today, "Arab" diasporas have sprouted up and excelled in more than one
geographic location across the world, including Brazil, Canada,
Australia, Africa, the US, Central America, Argentina, South Africa,
Indonesia, France, Britain, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, Denmark,
Norway, Spain and Italy.
The Arab diaspora is in control of substantial capital in these
countries which they reinvest in their countries of origin, whether
for sentimental or purely financial reasons. In either case, this can
be a source of great benefit to our Arab States, particularly if they
are able to utilize their diasporas in a serious, professional and
effective manner.
Singing the praise of Arab emigrants who have made great achievements
and successes abroad is no longer enough. What is needed today is to
prepare for a counter-migration in order for our Arab States to reap
the maximum possible benefits, whether financially or culturally,
instead of contenting ourselves with media stories and empty rhetoric.