Raid against illegal foreigners

The arrest of 31 foreign nationals, all coming from African countries, during an orchestrated raid by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in, at least, three residential areas of Dhaka city Friday last would surely provoke a few thoughts. Only two of the arrestees, reportedly, could produce valid travel documents though many of them have been living here for more than a decade. Apart from making people inquisitive about the occupation of these illegal foreigners, the outcome of the Friday's raid would raise questions about the inaction on the part of the police for too long a period against the illegal stay of the foreign nationals.
In fact, the recent murder of a young boy allegedly by an African national and a series of media reports on it have compelled the police to go for action. According to an unofficial estimate, more than 100,000 foreigners are now illegally living in this country. A large number of them have date-expired visas and are employed in the country's apparel sector. But what is worrying is the presence of so many African nationals and their alleged involvement in criminal activities.
The illegal stay of so many foreign nationals in a country whose own citizens die in dozens while trying to enter foreign countries illegally and are deported every now and then for not having valid travel documents or work permits is somewhat an odd development. However, labour migration is a natural phenomenon and it is hard to contain it fully. But such migration should normally take place where there are employment opportunities matching with the skill level of the migrant workers. Wages and governments' willingness to allow foreign workers are two major factors that influence the entry of migrant workers, both legal and illegal.  
The stay of foreign nationals over a long period of time after the expiry of their visas and their alleged involvement in criminal activities highlight the lapses on the part of a particular section of law enforcers responsible for compiling information and keeping an eye on the foreigners. As far as African nationals are concerned, it is not that difficult to monitor their movement and activities because they are easily distinguishable from others.
Moreover, the owners of hotels and houses where the foreigners reside are supposed to be aware of their duties and responsibilities. Before allowing foreigners any accommodation, they need to be sure about the validity and authenticity of their travel documents.  If they detect anything wrong, it is their duty to inform the police. The combined alertness on the part of the police and citizens, thus, is essential to stop illegal stay of foreigners and help avert any untoward actions on their part.