Ode to the migrant that we were all once. How did we get here?

It seems that even a progressive and open society such as Finland cannot escape the rising trends of polarisation, racial discrimination, and populism.

The Finnish Government's next four years (2023-2027) plan published in June includes an immigration policy that is blatantly discriminatory towards foreigners, especially those who seek international protection, need a work permit to stay, or those looking to immigrate here. It compelled me to write this.

Some said, “This proposed plan to discriminate against migrants is not legislation yet”.

Yes, but how did we get here?

Some hoped, “The current government coalition will break apart before they can legislate all or partially the discriminatory proposal”.?

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another said, “Even if they stay long enough to submit the discriminatory proposal for Parliament to vote, chances are it might not get passed on as a law anyway”.

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another chipped in, “This was just another calculated political maneuver from the National Coalition Party in the coalition to accept such a discriminatory proposal in the plan because they believed that it would never get passed by Parliament”.?

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another complained, “How could a democratically elected government propose such discriminatory policy that legitimises racism”??

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another argued, “It is not about racism, but just about a Country protecting the interests of their nation”.

Yes, but how did we get here??

Some despaired, “This is their land, we are just foreigners. We just need to accept this in our hearts, put our heads down, and continue working”.

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another offered, “Not all Finns are racist, but just a minority who voted for a certain party. This shows representative democracy is not working optimally”.

Yes, but how did we get here?

Another shouted, “Finland continued to welcome highly talented foreigners. Those policies are to avoid those who come here to profit from the social system”.

Yes, but how did we get here?

Why is social dialogue important - now?

This is a wake-up call. If by now you have not gotten a whiff of benzene and melted polystyrene. We should all pay close attention to what is happening here in Finland. Both the migrants and locals, alike.?

Given the current sentiment and quandary, if one does not have a strong opinion on the discriminatory policy or feels that racism does not concern them. Then think again.?

It is no longer sufficient to be a quiet bystander, one needs to be defending anti-racism. Or be considered as an accomplice in this discriminatory plan.

Call out the parties that agreed to such a discriminatory plan

Some analysts said that the National Coalition Party had agreed to such harsh migrant policies in exchange for an austere labor and economic reform. Such an austere plan that would normally not be accepted by the other parties. In other words, the migraine rights were sacrificed.

Regardless of the plot, it is clear that all parties had picked their priorities and shown their cards. That the migrants and their rights were not important enough for them, or at least it is a minor concern that can be traded, or sacrificed for other perceived greater good.?

In other words, no one is watching the back of migrants.

Migrants, we need to watch our own backs?

Much work is needed to ensure that the interests of migrants are heard, defended, and secured at all party levels, and in the government. Currently, it seems all effort (if any) has failed.?

Seemingly one way forward is to form an independent party that prioritizes the interest of migrants across all aspects of the economy and society. That brings and surfaces the value, and builds awareness on the why and how a diverse society contributes to the well-being of Finland. Not only for the migrants but also the society at large. Where migrants are no longer considered secondary citizens.?

Imagine such an ad-hoc formation that has sole responsibility to represent the interests of migrants. Such a unit would later be grafted to all major political parties.

Other avenues include initiating international chapters within the parties, engaging with think tanks and NGOs, as well as organizing manifestation, webinar, panel discussions together to raise social media awareness, to move the needle in this topic.

Why now?

The Finnish civic society needs to wake up and step up too. How can such archaic thinking be legitimised by a democratically elected government in this 21st century? All rational figures pointed to the benefits of a diverse workforce, the need for international talent to boost the growth of the country, and the promotion of a fair, open, and equal society. What did we miss along this journey? We got here now, but is this what you want? Now is the time to act and make a difference.

Migrants, if you are in survival mode, working with your head down. It is time to pause and look around, as our environment is changing fast, and we need to get our voices heard, get organised, unite, and amplify our actions, to build the future we want.??

Start by talking to the people around you, share your story, your feelings, and your dreams. Usher the change by talking to one Finnish person at a time.

Thank you Johanna Leinonen Alexandra Shtromberg Uttishta Varanasi and others who have helped to improve this article. All opinions are my own, and not associated with any of my affiliations or companies.