By Anthony Ada Abraham
I still struggle to understand why some people leave their home countries in search of greener pastures in Europe, yet refuse to integrate into the societies that receive them. Instead of adapting to the laws, culture, and values of their host nations, a number of migrants , particularly from some Muslim-majority countries try to impose the same cultural or religious norms they left behind, often under the protection of “human rights” that they themselves could never enjoy at home.
What’s even more troubling is seeing protests in which they wave their home-country flags while disrespecting or even desecrating the flags of the nations that welcomed them. Some groups go as far as undermining the language, culture, and social cohesion of their host countries, creating the sense that native citizens are being pushed aside in their own homeland.
Another source of frustration is how authorities sometimes react. When local citizens raise concerns about crime, social tension, or extreme behaviour from a minority of such migrants some of whom arrived through asylum systems, the state comes down harder on the locals than on the offenders. Meanwhile, individuals who claim “freedom of expression” abroad forget that in their countries of origin, basic freedoms are severely restricted. Women have limited liberty, young girls are subject to early marriage, dissent is often punished, and religious freedom is nearly nonexistent.
Yet, when they arrive in Europe, some bring along the very practices and attitudes that held their societies back, instead of embracing the values of openness and progress that attracted them in the first place. Countries like Poland have taken a firm stance by limiting such entries and enforcing strict expectations for behaviour.
At this point, it may be necessary to adopt clearer policies: anyone who refuses to respect and integrate into their host nation’s values and laws should simply return to their home country. Migration is a privilege, not an entitlement. Those who genuinely want to build a better life can stay and contribute, but those who reject integration should be free to go back and live by the rules they prefer.
Anthony Ada Abraham is a social commentator and writes in from Abuja
