The Commonwealth Youth Council has condemned in strong terms the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African immigrants in South Africa.
In a statement by the CYC Chairperson, Ahmed Adamu, on Friday, the attacks were described as a breach of the commonwealth values.
According to the council, social cohesion is a guarantee for success and development and should not see immigrants as enemies of progress.
“People coming to your country to work are to your advantage as they will add to your productive labour force and propel your economy. They will have to exchange their foreign currencies with yours, injecting your economy with hard currencies and create demand for your currency.
“The visa fees and the flight fares they pay your domestic airlines, the purchases, rent and patronage within your economy add up to the positive economic indicators of your country and they will help you learn new skills and exchange ideas and partner for developments,” it stated.
According to the Commonwealth youths, there are two immigrants, including professionals and low-skills immigrants.
The CYC explained that the professional category of immigrants comprises those who add value to the country’s economy and inject much of their resources into the economy.
It added, “The second group provides cheap labour, making cost of production cheaper.”
The group maintained that it was an open world with equal opportunities, urging South African youths to be fit and not be lazy.
“Immigrants put you on your toes, to be competitive and challenge you to do more. If immigrants are preferred, it means they have competitive skills required for the job, and the efficiency of every job in your country is a positive indicator,” the statement read.