Open Borders: Some Questions

With mounting criticisms against open borders, what may be the way out and what are the solutions the supporters of open borders have to offer?

It is suggested that if natives felt threatened by the entry of immigrants, then some reasonable measures can be taken to alleviate the fears of native people. Experts suggest measures like making outsiders pay higher taxes and use that revenue to compensate the natives who got adversely affected can be implemented. Further, as benefits cannot be provided to all the people who enter a country, immigrants can be made ineligible for certain benefits. If it is feared that immigrants will dislodge the local culture, then compulsory learning of the local customs can be made mandatory for the outsiders. The countries could give partial citizenship to the outsiders and can restrict their voting rights for some years, if needed. Whatever may be the case, according to the supporters of open borders, stopping the free movement cannot be a remedy to the problems of the host country.

On the other hand, those who oppose open borders argue that identifying outsiders and implementing these suggestions are not practical as it would need huge infrastructure and resources at the disposal. This is particularly difficult in over populated countries like India.

It is stated that Europe’s open borders are crumbling after Syrian refugee crisis. What is the present situation of Europe’ open borders?

Of late with the Syrian refugee crisis and militant attacks in Paris and Brussels, Eurosceptics have argued that the Schengen area offers open doors for criminals and terrorists. As EU struggles to handle this crisis, passport free travel and the policy of open borders have come under threat. Estimates show that entry of millions of migrants, particularly the Syrain refugees in 2015 have resulted in undue pressure on the Schengen area. One after another, EU states have started imposing temporary border controls to check the movements of migrants and terrorists.

The Schengen agreement allows for the introduction of border controls in times of emergency. Recently, Belgium imposed border controls on its frontier with France, Denmark with Germany, Sweden with Denmark, Austria with Slovenia. Experts say that with the continuing trend, the EU has only few days left to save the Schengen agreement and the area.

The Brussels attack has made the Schengen countries to rethink over keeping the borders open. Following attacks in France and Belgium, security experts have called for tighter border controls to restrict the movement of terrorists.

Why open border matters for the EU nations?

Free movement of goods and people are fundamental to the European economy. Many firms in the EU region operate across borders with hubs located in various countries. If borders are closed, they will have to incur additional transportation and labor costs. It is estimated that roughly 1.7 million people cross the open borders everyday to get to work. A study conducted by a German Research institute has pointed out that the Germany particularly will have to suffer more with the closed borders as it is surrounded entirely by Schengen countries.

Ultimately, it is believed that national safety concerns are likely to overtake regional agreements as of now in Europe. There is no doubt the passport free Schengen zone, which was hailed as a success story is under threat.

What are various implications of India’s open borders with Nepal on economy, security perspective?

India has open borders with Nepal and Bhutan, which allow free movement of citizens of these countries and Indian citizens across the border without passports or visas. The Indo- Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 led to the establishment of open borders between India and Nepal. The open border has allowed free exchange of people and currency across the borders and has benefited the people of both countries immensely. However, the same has created some issues also. The CPN (Maoists) have become formidable political power (non-state actors so far, but state actors now) and this brings new implications for India’s internal security particularly in view of their known linkages with Indian Left Wing Extremists. Moreover, India’s hold in Nepal is no more remains the same as in past as the Maoists have been continually upping the ante against India, accusing India of poking its nose in internal Nepali affairs. Thus, Nepal can significantly add to India’s Maoist menace by joining hands with the rebels in the red corridors of India. Thus, the unfolding political and security scenario in Nepal would have to be closely monitored.