By Dr. Nishi Singh

In a country there can be many cultures living side by side. This is due to countries opening up, air travel becoming cheaper and easier which have allowed more and more people to go to other countries. For instance, Britain has seen migrants from all over the world from all walks of life; students, doctors, engineers, information technology professionals, nurses and many others have come to Britain to live and work.

This has allowed multi-different cultures and ethnic groups to live together in a country like Britain. Britain has seen waves of migrants from all over the world; from Africa, India and other European countries. There are two aspects of this development. Firstly, a multiethnic country can be good country. This allows cultural diversity; people from different countries can contribute in their own way. For instance, Britain has a large Indian population and many of them are doctors. These Indian doctors have contributed significantly to the health of the country. Many work as consultants, general practitioners, researchers, all contributing to the health and welfare of Britain. Another example is Indian migrants from Africa have contributed to building businesses.

Hence the positive aspects of various cultures in a country can contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Alternatively, if large groups of different cultures accumulate, it can cause social friction. The native population can see the immigrants as their competitors taking their jobs, houses, benefits etc. In addition, if some of these immigrants refuse to integrate, this can cause further social tension and civil unrest, in some cases riots.

Finally, I would like to mention that different cultures and ethnic groups living together have more social benefits than negative development. Britain is a prime example of such a society where many ethnic groups and cultures exist and live together. Britain has witnessed migration from various countries. In any city of Britain, one is able to see people from various ethnic groups living together. These groups have contributed to society in all aspects be it health, business, education or technology.

Britain is truly a multiethnic country. Rarely Britain has seen social unrest due to multiculturalism; this is not to say that tension cannot build up. Waves of immigrants are coming to Britain from Eastern European countries and people are now complaining about Britain’s ability to accommodate them all. It’s time that Britain policy makers take tough action and make immigration harder.

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