The Comoros has recently promulgated a law that bars foreign nationals from certain jobs, sparking concerns among those already settled in the country. Larissa Razafitianna, a Madagascar national, is one such individual who has been living and working in the Comoros. She sells shoes along the main road leading to the country's largest market and sends a significant portion of her earnings to her family back in Madagascar. With the new law in effect, Razafitianna fears for her financial situation.
The new law has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it is discriminatory and could drive vulnerable groups into further precarity. Razafitianna expressed her concerns, stating that she came to the Comoros to make a living, but her visa application for business purposes was refused. She is now worried about how she will support herself and her family. The law has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it promotes economic sovereignty.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is a measure to promote economic sovereignty, and that other countries in the region are taking similar measures. Hamidou Mhoma, Vice-President of New OPACO, stated that the law is one of social justice, and that many countries have implemented similar laws without being accused of xenophobia or discrimination. He cited Tanzania as an example, which banned foreigners from owning and operating certain businesses in more than a dozen sectors last year.
The concerns of foreign workers in the Comoros are not unfounded. Many have been contributing to the country's economy through their businesses and employment. Razafitianna, for instance, sends between 50 to 100 euros every month to her family back in Madagascar. The new law has created uncertainty and anxiety among foreign workers, who are now worried about their future in the Comoros.
The law is not an isolated incident, as other countries in the region are also taking measures to restrict foreign nationals from certain jobs. In Kenya, President William Ruto's comments last month against foreign "hawkers" triggered panic and some violence. The issue has sparked a debate about the role of foreign nationals in local economies and the need for countries to protect their own economic interests.
Despite the concerns, the Comoros government maintains that the law is not intended to chase away foreign nationals or ban them from the country. According to Mhoma, foreigners are welcome in salaried employment, but when it comes to entrepreneurship, they need to invest in sectors where the country lacks skills or capital. The government aims to promote economic growth and development while protecting the interests of its citizens.
The implementation of the new law will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for foreign workers in the Comoros. The country's economy may also be affected, as foreign nationals contribute to the economy through their businesses and employment. The debate around the law highlights the challenges of balancing economic growth with social justice and the need for countries to protect their own economic interests.
Key points
- The Comoros' new law restricts foreign nationals from certain jobs, sparking concerns about financial instability for those already settled in the country.
- Critics argue that the law is discriminatory and could drive vulnerable groups into further precarity.
- Supporters of the law argue that it promotes economic sovereignty, citing similar measures taken by other countries in the region.
