As
the argumentative and sometimes belligerent immigration issue in Europe refuses
to die down, a sudden and drastic possibility of introducing and setting of
quotas is also expected to take effect in France. Consequently, it is expected
to affect and upset hundreds of Senegambians living and working in the country.
According
to critics, the sweeping transformation agreed upon for the first time was also
highly anticipated as ‘‘mere attempt to pander to the right-wing voters’’.
However, officials reassured everyone that it will be done in an “objective,
transparent and impartial manner.’’
President
Emmanuel Macron, already has confirmed that immigration would be a central
issue during the next presidential elections. Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud
also publicly confirmed recently that government might set out quotas so that
‘‘foreigners could only fill the gap…where industries lacked qualified
candidates’’.
The
announcement came as a shocking disclosure to Senegambians who are currently
working either full time or part time in various industries and other companies
around the country; some living with family members of French citizens.
Aly
Gueye, Freelance reporter and part-time chef in Paris, speaking to The Point
said: ‘‘Indeed it is a shock to us…even some journalists are aghast because
they never expected it.’’ However, Gueye, is optimistic that hardworking and
industrious Senegambians are competent at work and therefore would continue to
earn a decent living and send money back home.
This
correspondent also uncovered that the package is more than 20 different
measures and some Senegalese and Gambians are equally worried about the
proposed restriction on migrants to bring family members to France in order to
join them. This is considered an important issue regarding their private and
family lives.
Furthermore,
the new rules would also limit access to health care for asylum seekers waiting
for their various asylum claims to be treated. It would have a knock-on effect
on refugees prompting human right groups calling for an ‘‘immediate
amendment’’.
Already
the French government is under immense pressure from the far-right National
Rally seen by many of its supporters as more ‘caring to the ordinary citizens.’
Marine Le Pen, the party’s leader has already made gains in recent local
elections and is focusing more than ever before on immigration and asylum in
the run up to the next elections.
But
the gravity of the burden was announced after the country received a reported
record of over 122,000 asylum seekers just last year alone. The figure is up
and currently it is nearly 22 percent thus anti-immigration parties are using
it as an excuse to attack the government further and garner more votes.
Nonetheless,
as the immigration debate intensifies in Europe, Senegambians in France hope
and pray that their conditions and circumstances would be considered adequately
in any decision making process.
