The United Nations Agency for Refugees (UNHCR) has called the current global displacement crisis the largest since the Second World War. The total number of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people exceeds 51 million, with the Mediterranean region at the heart of cataclysmic migration flows.
The shores of Greece and Italy have become major routes to Europe for many of these desperate people. This year, debt-laden Greece surpassed Italy in terms of number of refugees, with the UNHCR estimating that 77,000 arrived by sea. The International Office of Migration estimates another 1,000 will arrive each day.
Despite economic turmoil on their own soil, residents of Lesbos and Kos have been providing food, clothes and other essentials to those who reach their shores. While there was a sharp rise in xenophobic attacks in Athens in 2012 and 2013 when the debilitating impact of austerity started to materialise, Greeks living on the islands have been largely empathetic towards refugees. Food and clothing drives to help those arriving by sea are quite common in these communities.
However, rising impoverishment among Greeks has meant that the free healthcare clinics that were primarily set up to serve those people without documents are now receiving more and more local patients. Greeks now constitute at least 50 per cent of charity recipients.
The country simply cannot help those arriving in unprecedented numbers without concerted cooperation between international, national and local aid agencies. Europe has a specific responsibility to help Greece deal with the unabated influx. Greece needs the same level of immediate financial support as other middle-income countries – Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon – that have received large numbers of Syrian refugees. In addition to meeting basics needs such as food, shelter and clothing for the new arrivals, the European Union must start implementing its proposed emergency mechanism by which asylum seekers are resettled proportionally among its 28 member states.
So far, response from the EU has been abysmally slow. The International Rescue Committee has stated that “Europe's inability to support Greece means [we] have to send staff to the richest region in the world”. Given the EU’s humanitarian aid budget of €1 billion (Dh3.9bn), it is appalling that emergency aid to Greece continues to lag.
The sight of asylum seekers taking over abandoned buildings and setting up makeshift tents in parks is glaring proof that the Common European Asylum System is ineffectual.
While a plan to resettle 40,000 refugees from Italy and Greece in other EU member states has been put forward, the details of immediate aid to Greece have not been discussed. The resettlement scheme itself has not even begun.
The lack of willingness from affluent northern states to take in refugees is apparent in the actions of the UK and Ireland, who intend to exercise their “opt-in” rights. In other words, they are not obliged to participate unless they choose to do so. Denmark has an “opt-out” right, which means that it will not participate at all.
Furthermore, the number of people to be resettled – a mere 16,000 from Greece – is simply not enough given the colossal rates at which migrants are entering the country. More than 60 per cent of those who have arrived on Greek shores are Syrians escaping conflict. A majority would qualify for asylum and all are non-returnable cases due to the imminent dangers they would face if repatriated.
What is worrisome about this new agenda is the insistence of the EU Commission on systematically fingerprinting all those entering Italy and Greece under the premise of avoiding secondary movement of those who will be resettled. But this also means that the plan will reinforce asymmetrical burden sharing under the Dublin agreement, under which asylum seekers entering the EU can be returned to their port of entry. Given that a majority of refugees enter through Italy and Greece, the northern European countries will continue to be absolved from responsibility for those who are not part of the resettlement scheme.
The second part of the agenda aims to thwart the migrant-smuggling trade by having stricter border patrols and potential military offensives against smuggling boats in the Mediterranean. This is a reckless method that would compromise the safety of those being smuggled and undermine the sovereignty of states that are the default transit points.
Those looking to flee to Europe will continue being resilient, invent new routes and alter their means of travel. The sudden increase in arrivals from Turkey to Greece and via the western Balkans is indicative of an unceasing phenomenon.
It is high time that a refugee quota fund that distributes the burden across the 28 member states of the EU was implemented. But the north-south divide in the EU that became apparent over the latest austerity measures exerted on Greece bears strikingly similar parallels on the issue of migration. Southern European countries are bearing the brunt of migration, while northern neighbours continue to turn a blind eye as long as the crisis does not reach their doorsteps.
Preethi Nallu is working on a multimedia project called Parallel Journeys: Seasons of Migration that explores the Mediterranean crossings through individual narratives
SCORES
Yorkshire Vikings 144-1 in 12.5 overs
(Tom Kohler 72 not out, Harry Broook 42 not out)
bt Hobart Hurricanes 140-7 in 20 overs
(Caleb Jewell 38, Sean Willis 35, Karl Carver 2-29, Josh Shaw 2-39)
Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
Match info:
Leicester City 1
Ghezzal (63')
Liverpool 2
Mane (10'), Firmino (45')
Key 2013/14 UAE Motorsport dates
October 4: Round One of Rotax Max Challenge, Al Ain (karting)
October 1: 1 Round One of the inaugural UAE Desert Championship (rally)
November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
January 9-11: 24Hrs of Dubai (Touring Cars / Endurance)
March 21: Round 11 of Rotax Max Challenge, Muscat, Oman (karting)
April 4-10: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Endurance)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More on Quran memorisation:
The years Ramadan fell in May
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
Napoleon
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Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) US$175,000 1,000m
7.05pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (Dirt) $100,000 1,900m
7.40pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (T) $250,000 1,800m
8.15pm: Handicap (D) $135,000 2,000m
8.50pm: Al Fahidi Fort Group 2 (T) $250,000 1,400m
9.25pm: Handicap (T) $135,000 2,410m.
Dubai World Cup Carnival Thursday race card
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Under 19 World Cup
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
RACE CARD
5pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Purebred Arabian Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Cup Listed (TB); Dh 380,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Group 3 (PA); Dh 500,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Jewel Crown Group 1 (PA); Dh 5,000,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Handicap (PA); Dh 150,000 (T) 1,400m
8pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (T); 1,400m
57%20Seconds
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
