Independent MP questions the intent behind the proposed asylum and migration plan

MPs returned to their benches on Monday following the summer recess. The fall session, which will last two months until mid-December. The debate in parliament was not as relaxed as their long summer vacation would have suggested, as the session opened with question time.

Along with the now commonplace bickering over ideological issues, purity tests and trading of insults, Independent MP Marija Selak Raspudić did raise a relevant question for the government of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Selak Raspudić voiced concerns about the asylum and migration management plan, which was released for public debate in the middle of the summer recess, questioning for whom and to whose benefit the plan is. In her question for Prime Minister Plenković she outlined the key points of the document: "Encouraging legal migration routes for citizens of third countries, researching the possibility of Croatia's inclusion in voluntary resettlement programs and developing complementary routes for the legal arrival of persons. Increasing the existing accommodation capacities and developing temporary accommodation solutions in case of increased influx. So I ask you; Where, how much and for whom?"

For his part Prime Minister Plenković shrugged off accusations that government was adopting policies that would only encourage illegal migration, but also argued that Croatia is apparently in desperate need of migrant labor: "Of course, we will ensure that people who need to come to Croatia come legally, it is laughable that we want to encourage illegal migration. Why do we need them? Look at our construction, tourism and service sectors. Where are the workers who will fill the positions needed on the labor market today? They have to come here, legally and through procedure, that's why there is a new Law on Foreigners. As for reception centers - of course we have to make some kind of logistical plan in case there are a larger number of people, but we are not seeking that out."

It is worthwhile to point out that tens of thousands of young and educated Croatian citizens are opting to leave Croatia every year. There are those who argue that the uncontrolled influx of cheap labor has only ramped up that process and its detrimental effects on Croatia’s negative demographic situation.

Source: HRT