Immigration, Integration and Segregation

Immigration is a sensitive and controversial topic that has been discussed a lot lately. Especially during the Swedish election and the growth of the xenophobic party “The Swedish Democrats” or SD.

Some people claim that increased immigration is not benefiting Sweden and argue that it is the main reason for increased criminality in the country. Others fear that Sweden is welcoming immigrants from the “wrong” part of the world and there is a risk of Islamic radicalisation among this group of immigrants. On the other side some claim that Sweden needs immigrants in order for the country to keep growing both financially and demographically. Welcoming immigrants can be a strategic move in order to prevent a labor shortage in the future.  This discussion has been bitter, hateful and in sometimes inhuman.

I’m definitely not a supporter of SD but I do agree that there should be a limitation of immigration. But I do not support their discriminating attitude against Muslims. I also believe that countries participating and supporting wars should take responsibility for immigrants caused by these conflicts. However, I do not believe that we should put the blame on immigrant because our politics failed to integrate these people in the Swedish society.  New immigration acts are needed. Actions to improve the integration of immigrants that already live in Sweden are required.  There should also be clear demands on what is expected of immigrants when they move to Sweden, and consequences if these rules and demands are not followed.

We also need to create a hope and support youths from non ethnic Swedish background and make them believe that everyone is equal no matter what your skin colour is or what religion you believe in.  These young kids don’t need to commit crime in order to make money.  A job is granted based on your education and your skills, not on your ethnical background.

We should also focus on preventing Islamophobia in our society. I believe that radicalisation on one side (SD) can cause an increased radicalisation on the other side i.e. radical Islamism and vice versa.  Most of the Muslims are considered to be bad, despite the fact that Muslims are a group of people with common religious believe, but most of them have different cultures and different ethnical backgrounds.

It’s 2015 and I expect the mankind to behave more civilized, accept and respect each other and not deride each other's faith, background and appearance. We should work together for a better planet and better well being.

In United Arab Emirates (UAE) Emirati locals are outnumbered in their own country at a ratio 9 to 1. How come UAE is not facing the same problems with immigration that Sweden is facing?


/Maha El Khalil

Predictions:The Swedish economy and technology

1-5 years

A few years ago Sweden used to be one of Europe’s strongest economies despite the recession and the financial crises, many nations in the European Union went through. Today the Swedish economy suffers and many experts fear that the country is facing a recession. Some believe that Sweden will be the new Japan. In February 12th the Swedish Central bank lowered its key repo rate by 0.1 bps to  -0.1 percent.  By using this monetary tool the Swedish Central bank is hoping for a recovery of the economy.  In combination with the lower oil prices and the weaker Swedish Krona a GDP growth is expected at a faster pace, which will also lead to a stronger labor market.  A negative key repo rate will also lead to a rising household borrowing and higher housing prices. But what if in 1-5 years from now the financial and monetary stimulants fail? What would happen to the stock market?

I believe in 1-5 year from now that Sweden will be in a recession. A huge part of the Swedish GDP is based on export. A weaker Swedish Krona might help in this case. There needs to be a holistic point of view. As Sweden, many of the countries that Sweden exports to are facing the same problems and also lowering their interest rates. This will leave the income from exports unchanged compared to previous years. Higher unemployment will be expected and this will very likely lead to many unpaid house loans. This in turn will cause a collapse in the housing market; problems for the banks and a financial crisis will be expected. Unless the whole region, i.e. European market shows a remarkable growth Sweden will be facing a recession.

6-60 years

In 6-60 years there will be new improved technologies, some might help us to cure deceases others might take over big parts of our jobs and leave us unemployed. These technologies will definitely make our lives easier, but the question is; will everyone be able to afford these technologies? What if these technologies lead to a high unemployment rate? Who will financially benefit from this? As we know right now 1 percent of the world’s population owns 90 percent of the world’s assets. In 6-60 years from now, maybe the one percent will own more than 90 % of the world’s assets. More poverty and wars will be expected. Hopefully a reallocation of the world’s assets will be done. But I doubt that and the gap between rich and poor will increase.

Maha El Khalil