Illegal workers disturb ties with African states

By Wang Tao Source:Global Times Published: 2012-10-25 22:25:04

Ghana arrested a number of Chinese workers for illegal mining in early October, and one miner was killed. Back in May, there were also cases of illegal Chinese workers being arrested in Nigeria and Ghana.

This is a byproduct of rapidly developing Sino-African relations. These workers can be found everywhere in the continent, from Egypt to South Africa and from Guinea to Ethiopia.

Workers or traders end up illegal through different sets of circumstances. Some haven't got a work permit or trade permit, but head to the country anyway due to the urgency of their work. Or their permits expire and new ones don't come through. And some come to Africa through entirely illegal means.

Besides, some give up a legal identity due to the complicated procedure and high costs for obtaining a work permit.

Most Chinese workers in Africa believe that law enforcement in Africa has loopholes which can be taken advantage of. Even if they are found and threatened with punishment, the issue can still be solved through illegal means such as bribery.

The number of Chinese enterprises and individuals is increasing, but their quality varies greatly. Cultural differences and language barriers make mutual communication difficult. The relevant regulations and verification procedures involved are incomplete, and policies and law aren't enforced effectively.

At the same time, the problem of illegal Chinese workers has been sensationalized.

For example, it has become a bargaining chip in political elections in some African countries. The opposition party in Ghana is trying to win support by addressing the issue during its presidential election this year.

Some Africans even view Chinese as occupying their countries, and public opinion in both the West and Africa has added political color to Chinese presence there. 

The problem of illegal Chinese workers in Africa, if not eliminated in the short run, will brew more conflicts in the future.

China can face up to this problem by taking a series of steps. It can improve the examination and approval process for Chinese enterprises and individuals going to Africa.

China also needs to make these workers aware of the basic situation, laws, regulations, culture and customs of the countries they go to.

Meanwhile, we should admit the flaws we have while maintaining the national image, and enhance the services of Chinese embassies abroad so as to provide assistance to our compatriots.

The author is a PhD candidate at Center of African Studies of Yunnan University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn



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