Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the Middle East. I have been living in the country as an expatriate for a long time. As a journalist, I often face various questions about immigrants and expatriates while covering news. Because when we, the Middle Eastern journalists, use the word “expatriate” in our news, many in our country think of “expatriate” only as Bangladeshis. Or they think of Bangladeshi citizens living abroad. In reality, in many Middle Eastern countries including Kuwait, expatriate means all foreigners other than citizens of that country. In this article, I have tried to identify the difference and reality of these two words, immigrant and expatriate. Many of us think that all Bangladeshis living abroad outside Bangladesh are “expatriates”. And we consider people from other countries living abroad as “immigrants”. But there is a clear difference between these two words in terms of language and reality. Knowing this difference is not only for linguistic accuracy, but also for presenting correct information in an international context.
Immigrant (Immigrant / Migrant) “Immigrant” refers to a person who leaves his/her own country to live permanently in another country. Usually, their goal is to obtain citizenship of the new country. For example, someone from Bangladesh goes to America, Canada or a European country and starts living permanently, sometimes he/she If there is a chance to become a citizen, then he will be an immigrant. The main feature is that the purpose of permanent settlement is to plan to acquire citizenship of a new country. Those who move from their own country permanently or have the opportunity to stay permanently in that country are “immigrants”.
Expatriate / Expat “Expatriate” is a person who lives abroad for a temporary period for work, study or other reasons. In this case, the citizenship of the original country is maintained and there is an obligation to return to the country after a certain period. For example, everyone who goes to work in various countries in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, for a few years on a contract basis is an expatriate, those few years may be spent abroad for the rest of their lives. The main feature is that it is temporary or contractual. There is no opportunity to change citizenship or even if there is, it is very limited and difficult. But after a certain period, they have to return to the country. In almost all countries in the Middle East, foreign citizens do not have the opportunity to obtain permanent residence or citizenship. Let’s take the example of Kuwait, here except Kuwaiti citizens, people from all countries of the world are considered “expatriates”, be it Bangladesh, India, Philippines, America or Europe or any other country. In Kuwait, citizens of any other country do not have the opportunity to become immigrants. However, when we, the Middle Eastern journalists, use the word “expatriate” in our news and newspapers in Bangladesh, many people think that it only refers to citizens of Bangladesh living abroad. In reality, Kuwaiti expatriate means all foreigners except the citizens of that country. Be it Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, America or any country in Europe, all citizens are expatriates. A short strategy to remember is that permanent residence means immigrant and temporary residence means expatriate. Language is not only a means of communication, it is also a reflection of reality and identity. The correct use of the words “immigrant” and “expatriate” can make our news, reports and discussions more accurate and internationally acceptable. Therefore, when we publish news or comment, we should ensure the use of the correct words so that the real situation is clearly conveyed to the reader. Since foreigners do not have the opportunity to become immigrants in any country in the Middle East, including Kuwait, expatriate in the Middle Eastern countries does not only mean Bangladeshis, expatriate means all countries located here Foreigners.
Moin Uddin Sarker Sumon
President Bangladesh Press Club Kuwait
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