- 12:00
What on earth has gotten into Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed? According to her, the return of Syrian refugees to their country must be voluntary!
This astonishing statement has caused quite a stir. But given the country’s endless crises, it quickly faded into the background. However, such remarks can have serious consequences.
Around the world, there is a clear distinction between refugees who are in legal status and those who are not. The latter group is known as illegal immigration. This is the case everywhere, except in Lebanon, where 2.5 million Syrians move freely across the country, passing through borders that remain wide open. Lebanon’s legendary tradition of hospitality is undeniable, but sometimes, reality exceeds even the most outlandish of legends.
Experts, politicians and all concerned parties agree that Lebanon is in a state of urgent crisis, facing the very real risk of imploding under the demographic and economic weight of the displaced. Everyone believes so, except our Minister and the international NGOs that seem to promote a politically motivated form of generosity.
For Europe, it is far easier to continue pouring billions of dollars into keeping Syrians settled in Lebanon rather than seeing boats full of illegal immigrants arriving on European shores. This false empathy has been in place for at least a decade. In Europe, the migration issue has become such a political hot potato that so-called “extremist” parties are riding the wave of public discontent, gaining power through elections. So, there’s no question of opening borders. And Lebanon is left to bear the burden, sacrificed in the name of the old continent's political stability.
Everywhere else in the world, except here, illegal immigrants are not granted rights and are sent back to their countries of origin, in compliance with international law which upholds national sovereignty.
Asylum seekers are a separate category altogether, but they must prove they face genuine danger if deported. However, in Lebanon, there are no asylum seekers, but economic migration is encouraged by NGOs.
This is not about ostracizing Syrians who are in Lebanon legally. They are welcome. However, our minister needs to be cautious. With the ongoing chaos in Syria, a second wave—this time Alawite—has begun to arrive, joining the previous ones. If the situation in Syrian Kurdistan deteriorates further, we could also face an influx of Kurds. At this pace, Lebanon’s identity and fragile national balance are at serious risk.
Michel Rocard famously said, “France cannot take in all the misery of the world.” Well, Lebanon cannot either. Consider this a word to the wise.
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