KHOST CITY (SW) – Nearly a decade ago, two of the Khost residents, Alif Noor and Noor Mohammad moved to the United States through legal means, stayed, studied and worked there to become American citizens.
Owing to a the love of motherland and sense of alienation in the U.S., both eventually returned to Afghanistan after all these years only to serve the community in their native Khost province. Through their charity organization, the two collect clothing and other basic necessities of living from the well-off people and distributes it among the poor.
Alif and Noor, who came from New York to Khost, say they had vowed, after a hard migration experience, to set up an aid agency upon their return. The agency has so far helped thousands of needy families amid the harsh winter.
Families that have benefited from the help of the two are happy and want others to follow them in helping poor and displaced families.
The story of Alif and Noor shows that legal and regular migration is not only fruitful and easy for individuals, but it also brings benefits to the entire community.
Mohammed Hades Pardis, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, said the story of immigrants who have undergone regular and irregular migration is different. He said returnees should share their experiences of regular migration with people so that those who still spend their night in camps can return and serve their people.
Officials at the IOM say they are trying to inform those with desire for irregular migration about the problems of the route and dangers of loss of life, and suggest a regular migration route for those who plan to migrate.
Fariha Jabarkhel, a consultant at the Migration Information Center, said in this regard that regular migration is a well-organized journey away from any problems. According to her, the agency is trying to raise awareness about reducing instances of irregular migration.
The government and non-government agencies have long been urging potential travelers to prefer regular routes. However, there are equally growing calls for more opportunities in this connection. Among the prominent venues for regular migration include overseas educational opportunities, opportunities for skilled workers and investment opportunities in the host country.
ENDS
