Government ‘fuelling’ problems for asylum seekers by not providing adequate resources

A Ballaghaderreen resident who has extensive experience in working with asylum seekers and new arrivals believes that the Government is “fuelling” the problems being experienced in this country by not providing adequate services for rural communities.

Saj Hussain who has been living and working in Ballaghaderreen for more than 20 years since moving from Pakistan, is the coordinator of the welcoming committee at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen. Referring to recent incidents in places likes Roscrea and Lanesboro, he feels that migrants and asylum-seekers are now becoming “easy targets” because of growing pressures on essential services in local communities.

“Rather than people shouting at asylum seekers, they should be shouting at the Government to do more. I do understand local people’s frustrations but there is no reason to burn buildings. When someone calls to the GP, and the GP says there is no space or they can’t get appointments straight away, then the migrants, refugees and asylum seekers get blamed,” he said.

Mr Hussain said that “millions” are being given to those providing accommodation for refugees, and stressed that more money and resources should be invested into communities. He believed that the Government is “fuelling” the situation by not providing sufficient supports to address pressures on local services.

He contends that the Government is not handling these issues properly, including the management of new arrivals, and accused it of poor communication.

“There should be more open information, there should be no hiding of information. When they are hiding information, that makes things worse.” As a member of the welcoming committee at the EROC, Mr Hussain has helped hundreds of Syrian refugees to adapt to life in the West Roscommon town. He appealed for humanity to be shown to those fleeing war and persecution.

The married father of five is worried about the rise in far-right propagandas and is calling on authorities to keep a closer eye on what is being posted on social media platforms. The need for extra resources is still a significant issue in Ballaghaderreen. He is listening to local people’s concerns, none more so than in his barber shop. He said commitments given when Syrian refugees came to the town in 2017 have yet to be delivered upon.

“The Government should be providing extra resources. A lot of promises were made in Ballaghaderreen to provide extra capacity in the local health services but not enough is being done.

Mr Hussain is chairperson of the local Tidy Towns committee in Ballaghaderreen, helping to regularly mobilise volunteers, all from different backgrounds, to keep the town clean and tidy. The work has also involved the planting of thousands of flower bulbs around the town.

“It is a great way of integration and of getting to know each other and at the same time make a positive difference in the town and area we are living in,” he said.

He is running again as an Independent candidate in the county’s local elections, and will be campaigning for improved local health services and public transport along with more jobs and investment.