Republished By Horn Africa News
Source: BBC
A wave of anxiety has swept through the Somali community in Sweden after the Swedish government officially began deporting several Somali nationals back to their home country.
Just recently, eight Somalis were deported to Somalia, and reports now indicate that another group of 15 individuals currently held in Swedish detention centers are being prepared for removal, according to Yonis Khalif, a member of the Somali Community Association in Sweden, who spoke to the BBC.
“This is an issue that has been building for a long time. The new Swedish government is determined to send back Somali nationals living in the country. These individuals include those who have been denied residence permit renewals as well as others who have been seeking asylum in Sweden for anywhere from three to ten years,” Khalif explained.
Yonis Khalif, who has met with some of the Somalis awaiting deportation, stated that a meeting is scheduled this week between the Somali embassy in Sweden and the affected individuals to discuss the matter. He also mentioned that the Somali community has raised the issue with the Swedish authorities.
“We have discussed this with the Swedish government. The previous administration was more sympathetic to Somalis. However, the current one seems to lean toward anti-immigration sentiments. As a community, we reached out, but we were unable to delay the deportations. If someone is a criminal, no one can stop their return. But what we’re seeing now are elderly people, children, and young adults — many of whom work and contribute to the country’s taxes — being denied residence renewals,” Khalif added.
Rising Fears Over More Deportations
As more Somali refugees are expected to be deported in the coming weeks, fears are growing within the community. Many worry that those returning could face the same dangers they fled from years ago.
“We know people are still fleeing Somalia,” said Khalif. “There is no political stability. Extremist groups are continuing to take control of new areas. Our biggest concern is that the youth being returned to Somalia might be at risk of recruitment by militant groups. There are no jobs back home. These are individuals who suffered tremendously, crossed the desert, and finally found some peace — only to now be sent back into danger. This is something that the Somali government must carefully reconsider.”
