Dr. Hind Al Shoumer, WHO Temp Advisor
“THE word expatriates are being repeatedly used in all countries and societies, either to describe the demographic structure or to justify some policies and their repercussions or within the scope of political interactions, but in all cases, there is no state and there is no society without expatriates,” columnist Dr. Hind Al- Shoumer wrote for Al-Anba daily.
The frequent talk about the expatriate community with its values and customs is not new in a specific society or a specific country, but it is repeated in all countries that attract migrant workers from different countries and provide them with an environment for honest work to contribute to development.
“Discussions about new arrivals must be purposeful and not just for the sake of clamor from time to time and screaming aimlessly, the repercussions of which may translate into racism or non-compliance with human rights treaties and conventions, which affects the position of any country within the international community in accordance with global standards.
“I call on the relevant authorities to think about the repercussions of the talk about expatriates on the state’s position in the international arena keeping in mind its keenness to adhere to human rights, justice, and equality, a privileged position that should not be neglected with ill-thought-out and irresponsible statements about expatriates without justification or inappropriate justifications.
“Let us learn from the lesson of the migration of the Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, from his home in Makkah Al-Mukarramah to Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.
“The people of Madinah Al-Ansar were a refined school in dealing with their immigrant brothers who, in the language of our time, are expatriates coming to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.
“The livelihood is in the hands of God Almighty and He divides it among His servants, and every person will get his livelihood wherever he is, whether it is in his country or in another country, and God is the one who gives livelihood to whom He wills and withholds it from whom He wills.”