Events
Lukashenko explains Belarus’ approach to migrant workers
MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – Labor migration should be controlled by the state in Belarus. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in a Q&A session after delivering an address to the nation and the parliament on 18 December, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the former German chancellor Angela Merkel is often criticized for an open policy towards migrants. Germany’s social policy allows those, who come from abroad, to live off social security benefits. This is why the flow of migrants from poor countries to Germany remains strong.
The head of state noted that he had once discussed the situation with Vladimir Putin but the Russian president had been sure that it would be difficult for Germans to abandon this policy. It turns out Vladimir Putin was right. “If you get into something, it will be difficult to get out of it later on,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
“This is why I am reluctant to invite anyone to come here,” the president said.
On the other hand, the country needs workforce. But how can the state control these processes?
“Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov need 12 people in agriculture or manufacturing sector. Where do people want to come here from? From the post-Soviet republics. They are our kind of people. We have an embassy on the ground. For instance, in Uzbekistan. The ambassador has to vet a list of 12, or 20, or 40 people, check it, and send it to us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained the procedure.
Then these people get vetted by law enforcement agencies. Later on the head of an enterprise signs a contract with the migrants and will be responsible for their stay in Belarus.
“Their coming to us is not what matters. The key is to keep these records, to prevent uncontrolled migration,” the president stressed. “They come to work. Let them work. But the strategy I want everyone to follow is that you should treat them like you treat Belarusians, like you treat our own people. It is news for them that they can have their teeth fixed or see the doctor at a hospital for free. We welcome the arrival of families. We welcome if their children go to school together with ours and get totally free education. They go crazy [because they didn’t expect it].”
According to the head of state, migrant workers understand that they are closely monitored in Belarus and behave appropriately. “We draw conclusions from the events that have happened to our closest brothers and not only to them. Whether we like it or not, we will be forced to invite these migrants. But even if we keep them out of the country, they will still come to us through other channels. But they will come in an uncontrolled manner. This is why it is necessary to take any processes under control. We’ve been managing to do it for now,” the Belarusian leader said.
He stated that migrants work the way they should in Belarus and often represent a good example for many Belarusians, who do not want to work despite the available conditions. Bringing workforce into the country helps keep small population centers and villages alive because the migrants primarily fill those job openings.
“It is what my strategy is all about. It is not about me wanting to fill Belarus with Pakistanis. But everything must be kept under control. You have to see everything and treat them humanely. Then you will get results. We see it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko summarized.
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
