InfoAnda - Out of Africa and into China, immigrants struggle

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

E.Guinea 'pardons mercenaries' in coup attempt | 3 November 2009
New Bond film heads to U.S. | Entertainment | | 12 November 2008
Abbas to accept Palestinian election delay | 13 November 2009

HP picks Cosco's Greek pier as regional transport hub | | 15 November 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Out of Africa and into China, immigrants struggle

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Out of Africa and into China, immigrants struggle Reuters - Saturday, August 22 By James Pomfret ADVERTISEMENT GUANGZHOU, China - Sweating heavily and yelling at Chinese police officers, a group of Nigerians dragged the lifeless body of an injured compatriot up to a Guangzhou police station, blood dripping from a deep gash on his head. Around them, a crowd of over one hundred Africans chanted, some holding sticks as others smashed potted plants and blocked traffic, demanding justice from the Chinese police after officers chased the man out of a high-rise window in a tightening security crackdown on illegal overstayers in the city this year. "They don't like black people to stay in China any more. They want us to go," said Frank, one of the Nigerians at the protest on July 15 that was filmed by witnesses. "They treat us like animals," added Frank, an illegal overstayer, who wouldn't give his name for fear of reprisals. The spontaneous protest -- a rare direct confrontation between foreigners and authorities in China -- is a vivid reminder of the challenges faced by Beijing's stability-obsessed Communist Party as it engages with the world and builds up trade links abroad. In the past few years, tens of thousands of African and Arab traders have thronged to export hubs like Guangzhou and Yiwu in eastern China to seek their fortunes -- sourcing cheap China-made goods back home to massive markups in a growing, lucrative trade. But just as mass Chinese immigration abroad has fanned recent social tensions in Africa and other places, the influx of large numbers of foreigners, particularly Africans, into China is altering the social fabric of cities like Guangzhou and proving a headache to authorities. While this rising tide of foreigners has brought vast economic gains, the edgy cosmopolitanism of melding cultures and liberal ideals has been laced with racial and social tensions, along with the problem of illegal overstayers resorting to crime. "While most black people are engaged in valuable trading activities, others are staying illegally, working without valid permits or smuggling," said Peng Peng, the research director of the Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences, a provincial thinktank. "How to manage this is becoming a very big problem." CULTURE CLASH Guangzhou's African community began swelling in the late 1990s with a trickle of traders from Mali, but in the past five years, numbers have nearly tripled on a wave of Nigerians to around 20-30,000 according to Peng, though reports suggest there could be as many as 100,000 if overstayers are factored in. While Africans have moved to other cosmopolitan Chinese cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing, those in Guangzhou are most conspicuous -- filling the streets in a district known as "Little Africa" replete with ethnic shops, eateries, and export malls crammed with all manner of goods including fake designer jeans, wigs, bright African textiles and VCD players. But the influx has also caused unease among local Chinese. Some neighbourhood committees bar Africans from living in residential complexes, while Internet forums such as Tianya buzz with heated, at times xenophobic, discussions of "black person" issues in the city. "A lot of Chinese don't like Africans, but there's nothing we can do. They're flooding into Guangzhou," wrote one blogger on Tianya. Others blamed the immigrants for problems from drug peddling and petty theft, to the spread of HIV among prostitutes. On the streets, while explicit racism is rare among conservative Chinese urbanites, fights do sometimes break out between Africans and Chinese over business disputes. "Racial stereotypes on both sides do exist ... it's indicative of starkly different cultures," said Martyn Davies, a China expert at South Africa's Stellenbosch University. "The challenge of the whole China-Africa relationship is going to be cultural acceptance ... It's not about capital or management skill or whatever, it's about culture and essentially to break down stereotypes they have of one another." SECURITY SQUEEZE In perhaps the most stark indication of official discomfort with mass African immigration, Guangzhou authorities have refused to allow more open and transparent immigration policies, particularly for visa-extensions. In numerous interviews with African traders and illegal overstayers in the city, frustrations at restrictive and inconsistent visa policies have risen, exacerbating the plight of Africans opting to stay on expired visas to keep their businesses flowing, and thereby avoid costly flights home and back again. "It's very rough," said Emeka Ven Chukwu, a 30-year-old Nigerian based in Guangzhou. "It's been happening for a long time. Even before the Olympics, it has been very difficult to extend ." Resentment towards the police has also grown amid the recent spate of overnight raids and perceptions of corruption. "They just want to arrest you, collect money, then arrest you again," said Paul Omoshola, a Nigerian businessman in Guangzhou. Visa extensions, seen as critical for traders and fixers to stay beyond the usual 30-day visa period -- while difficult to obtain through official channels -- can be arranged relatively easily through Chinese agents for large fees of $2,000 upwards. Guangzhou's Public Security Bureau would not comment on its visa and security policies when contacted by Reuters. "One thing that has been very apparent is the arbitrariness of visa issuance in China," said Gordon Mathews, an academic at Hong Kong's Chinese University who has studied the issue. With the recent ethnic unrest in Xinjiang having unnerved Beijing, some experts say there could be a further tightening of visas going forward, particularly with sensitive anniversaries and events coming up. "During the Asian Games there will definitely be some level of control, this is normal. After the Games, we can loosen things a little," said Peng, the thinktank director. Ademola Oladele, a spokesman at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, noted the need for authorities to crack down on illegal overstayers. But he also expressed concern at the recent police raid that sparked such anger among hundreds of Nigerians. "If there is any clamping down on illegal immigrants it's fine. That's their law. But it should not be done in an inhumane way or a way that could affect a life," said Oladele. STILL DOING BUSINESS Sino-Africa trade exceeded the $100 billion mark last year, a jump of 45 percent on the year before, fuelled at one end by China's demand for Africa's energy and natural resources, and Africa's love of cheap Chinese goods at the other. The recent problems in Guangzhou however, underscore the risks of such rapid changes exacerbating cultural and religious differences that might otherwise be avoided through more sensitive policy-making. Despite all the problems facing Africans hoping to lay deeper roots in Guangzhou, securing short-term visas for events like the Canton Fair, Asia's top trade fair, is comparatively easy. "It's a piece of cake," said Nampewo Sylivia, a young single businesswoman from Uganda happily browsing clumps of wigs made from real and fake hair at the Canaan Wholesale Trading Centre. "It's still far easier to get a China visa than an American one," she added. While African traders say business has fallen sharply this year given a slump in African demand during the downturn and sliding exchange rates, many remain drawn to China's potential. "China produces nearly everything that you need in the world, said Omoshola, the Nigerian trader who was also at the protest. "We are still here doing business," he added. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific North, South Koreans to talk during trip to SeoulAP - Saturday, August 22 Harlem Globetrotters wow Thais with b-ball tricksAP - Saturday, August 22 Envoys sent by North Korea's Kim arrive in SouthReuters - Saturday, August 22 Philippine police arrest alleged terror leaderAP - Saturday, August 22 Cambodian village worships cow with reptilian skinAP - Saturday, August 22 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed It's nuts! Squirrel becomes a Web sensation CIA hired Blackwater for assassin program: reports Two arrested over biggest gem robbery: police Egypt warns pharaohs' tombs could disappear Merkel still world's most powerful woman: Forbes View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Saturday, 22 August 2009
Iraq officials urge change after bombs
Balts marking human chain that broke Soviet rule
Amazon, Microsoft, to oppose Google book project
Take embarrassing pics off Facebook, Berlin warns
More ETA arms caches found in France
US-TECH Summary
Yahoo wins court ruling over webcasting fees
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred
Yemen reiterates ceasefire conditions for rebels | International |
News Corp. seeking to form online news consortium: LAT
China Mobile keen on deals with Taiwan firms
Iran allows IAEA better access at nuclear sites
News Corp eyes online news consortium: report
Putin visits Russia dam disaster, warns of 75 dead
Four dead in multiple Chechnya bicycle bombings
Search in Mediterranean for 73 migrants feared dead
Hurricane Bill weakens near Bermuda | International |
Iraq officials urge change after bombs | International |
Rock slide on Portugal beach kills five | International |
Hungarian president calls off tense Slovak visit | International |
French police find 3 more suspected ETA arms stashes | International |
Arctic Sea hijackers arrested in Moscow court | International |
Obama marks beginning of Muslim holy month
Bernanke says US economy on cusp of recovery
North, South Koreans to talk during trip to Seoul
Harlem Globetrotters wow Thais with b-ball tricks
AP INVESTIGATION: SC gov didn't disclose flights
Microsoft, Yahoo join in opposing Google books deal | Technology |
Envoys sent by North Korea's Kim arrive in South
Seattle's mayor concedes in Democratic primary
AT&T says had no role in iPhone Google app rejection | Technology |
Judge tosses deportation case against Egyptian man
Philippine police arrest alleged terror leader
Yahoo wins U.S. court ruling over webcasting fees | Technology |
Woman admits torturing, killing, burning Ariz. man
Cambodian village worships cow with reptilian skin
India gives Pakistan new evidence on Mumbai
WHO predicts 'explosion' of swine flu cases
'Public option' _ From obscurity to central issue
Out of Africa and into China, immigrants struggle
China fires supreme court judge amid bribery probe
2 walk away from fiery small plane crash in NJ
Decent weather expected for Tuesday shuttle launch
More questions than answers for China's lead victims
China market slump not seen as warning signal
China Construction Bank 1H profit down 4.9 pct
Taiwan CPC says crude runs at 70 pct on poor margins
China's growth projected at 8.5%: govt thinktank
Robin Williams says he is a work-in-progress dad | Entertainment |
Michael Jackson's burial postponed until September 3 | Entertainment |
Hanson to debut new songs on fall tour | Entertainment |
Jackson burial postponed until Sept. 3
Authorities hunt reality TV star in model slaying
Meat Loaf taps Rob Cavallo, Brian May for new album | Entertainment |
'Pulp Fiction' writer pleads guilty in fatal crash
California charges actor with murder in model's death | Entertainment |
Early 20th century films found in Polish cellar
$3 million Marden painting destroyed in transit: lawsuit | Entertainment |
California charges actor with murder in model's death
Babysitting grandparents 'save Italians 50 bln euros'
Egoyan's 'Chloe' to open San Sebastian film festival
Among character actors, Jane Lynch is leading lady
Guitarist James Burton hopes to break world record
US: 4 American troops in Iraq charged with cruelty
Diplomats on front line as Honduran crisis deepens
Libya's Gaddafi meets Lockerbie bomber | International |
Apple tells FCC jury still out on 'Google Voice'
Tech giants oppose Google book project
Bombings interrupt Baghdad's summer of optimism
Ethnic tension a factor in Afghan vote: envoy | International |
AT&T says had no role in iPhone Google app rejection
Pakistan's war-displaced lament Ramadan in camps | International |
Hungary and Slovakia in war of words as president is barred
Merritt, Felix dedicate gold to Owens
Twitter out to make money from businesses
North Korea envoys extend Seoul stay: report | International |
Slovakia, Hungary dispute mounts as president barred
US existing-home sales blaze record in July
Iran allows IAEA better access at nuclear sites
Bernanke upbeat on global recovery prospects
Microsoft, Yahoo join in opposing Google books deal
Facebook letting bigwigs fire updates to Twitter
Japan opposition may score landslide win: media | International |
Shiites and Sunnis accuse each other of Iraq truck bombings
Bermuda braces as Hurricane Bill approaches | International |
Over 100,000 people displaced by Yemen fighting: U.N. | International |
Swiss watchdog demands shutdown of Google Street View
United Nations hails security gains in Haiti | International |
US court denies parole to killer of FBI agents
Kadhafi meets Lockerbie bomber, deal alleged
Canadian, ex-policeman killed in Philippine shoot-out
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke | Technology |
Japan opposition may score landslide win: media
AP sources: Report details harsh CIA methods
Aussie press gearing for Ashes defeat
WHO urges China to share swine flu vaccine
NKorean envoys call for improved ties with Seoul
Muted commemoration as Hawaii turns 50 as a state
Broad revives England's Ashes bid
Teachers' union criticizes Obama on schools stance
Taqueria fined $46K for firing mom who breastfed
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 716
Teen shot by police following holdup on film set
Ex-Vietnam lieutenant apologizes for massacre
Pakistan c.bank buys 39.55 bln rupees of govt paper
Japan's Honda to launch electric cars in US: report
Jackson burial postponed, judge approves exhibition | Entertainment |
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke | Entertainment |
Q&A: John Fogerty returns to roots with Rangers | Entertainment |
Shutter Island release postponed to February | Entertainment |
Billboard singles reviews: Miley Cyrus, Madonna | Entertainment |
Smacking children to remain illegal: NZealand PM
Hasidic star Matisyahu saving reggae with new disc | Entertainment |
Jackson memorabilia tour approved; London's first
"Shutter Island" release postponed to February
DEA raids Beverly Hills pharmacy in Jackson probe
Jackson burial postponed, judge approves exhibition
`Avatar' previews held worldwide for eager fans
High court hears Tom Hanks' high-end home dispute
Billboard singles reviews: Miley Cyrus, Madonna
Spike Lee's Jackson birthday bash could draw 10K
Iraqi FM warns of bigger, more powerful attacks
Gaddafi hugs Lockerbie bomber; Britain denies deal | International |
New economic data set to test Wall Street bull run
Afghan vote not all free: EU
Afghan vote 'generally fair, not free everywhere'
Argentine outrage as Iran names bomb suspect minister
North Korea envoys to meet South's president | International |
Greek forest fire rages near Athens, damages homes | International |
Pakistani Taliban quiz Mehsud kin over spying | International |
Maliki assures Iraq its forces will defeat terror | International |
Ingush leader returns home after assassination attempt | International |
Somali president calls for Ramadan ceasefire | International |
Obama to visit China in November
Former US soldier apologises for My Lai massacre
Hurricane Bill douses Bermuda as it moves north
2 Pakistan students expelled from UK return home
North Korea envoys to meet South's president
2 killed in small plane crash near Ohio school
2 Koreas hold high-level talks; 1st in 2 years
Australia, NZealand vow closer climate, military ties
Obama challenges critics on health care
Pakistan's war-displaced lament Ramadan in camps
The Nation's Weather
Large Texas bank shut by federal regulators
Conservatives react after Lutherans lift gay ban
Aircraft sent to Australian oil rig leak
Drug case against Mexican cartel began with crumbs
US man faces lesser manslaughter charge in HK
Report: Honda to sell electric cars in US
Vietnam English daily closes, blames global crisis
12 million jobseekers in China won't find work
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Sean Kingston album gets fans online with karaoke
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01