At the moment, Europe has witnessed where masses of a human population are crossing its borders. These are desperate persons fleeing war-torn Syria. They are looking for safety which is apparently provided by European countries. This situation is quite serious that it has divided Europe particularly on views on how to tackle the situation. This is a crisis which has threatened each fabric of the European borders.

In the last few months, some countries have been very vocal in supporting resettlement of refugees. In fact, some countries that had banned the entrance of refugees have been forced to reconsider their stances. Some countries have called for revising of Schengen treaty which allows for the free movement of persons between the nations. According to OFW news, some people believe that refugees ought to be welcomed and given an opportunity to resettle. Others believe that it is not their responsibility at all.

What has been done so far?

We can say that the responses by most European countries have been admirable so far. In the initial stages, there were a lot of reservations about resettling of the refugees. There is a feeling of goodwill towards the refugees. In fact, several of them have been allowed.

Since the start of the refugee crisis, Germany has been championing for the rights of refugees. In fact, they have welcomed them with just open arms. Their chancellor said that they do not have a limit on the number of people they can allow. Other countries that have resettled a fair number of people are Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

What have Arab countries done?

It is estimated by UNHCR that there are over two million Syrian refugees registered in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Also, there are over 1.8 million Syrians in Turkey. Unfortunately, Amnesty International reports that countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain that are geographically closer to Syria as compared to United Kingdom, France, and Germany have not provided resettlement to Syrian refugees.

Saudi Arabia has offered to construct over 200 mosques for refugees taken in by Germany. If the Vatican, the smallest country offers to take a few families, why not the Arab countries?

Economy

Oxford Economics published a research paper where it argues that German economy is likely to witness a tremendous boost in the next few years thanks to a number of refugees it has settled.