Member of the House of Representatives, Saeed Mghib, confirmed that the country’s cities have become a primary destination for irregular migrants of multiple nationalities. With a lack of oversight, their numbers are increasing in a way that threatens national, social, and demographic security, according to a post on his Facebook page monitored by Al-Marsad newspaper.
Immediate Risks
* Pressure on basic services (health, education, utilities), causing overcrowding and resource shortages.
* An expanding scope of crime and an increased rate of smuggling.
* Security instability with the potential for suspicious and extremist elements to hide among the influxes.
* Social tensions resulting from friction, economic pressures, and differing customs.
Long-Term Risks
* Change in the demographic structure (demographic change).
* Erosion of sovereignty through foreign intervention “under the pretext of protecting migrants’ rights,” leading to the imposition of policies or guardianship.
* Weakening of the economy through the transfer of large sums of money abroad and the rise of the dollar against the dinar.
* Decline of national identity and culture.
* “Forced resettlement” through foreign deals at the expense of citizens.
A Call for Serious Action
Mghib opined that the most dangerous thing for a country is to be complacent or haphazard in dealing with the phenomenon, warning of both near and long-term costs if it is not addressed with strict and coordinated policies.