Reverse immigration

By: Qwaider

On:Friday, July 04, 2008 9:52:18 PM
In:Thoughts
Viewed: (3877) times

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Rated 4.7/5 stars (93 votes cast)

As I get my self ready to go say goodbye to a couple that have decided they've had enough with this expatriate lifestyle and decided to pack all, and go back.

Never before has the number of people "going back" been so large. So many people I know personally have had it with taxes, inflation, rising prices, bad schooling, ever deteriorating social atmosphere.

But is the grass really greener on the other side!?

It depends on who you talk to. One friend said, people were begging him to come work as Janitors over here. While others can't wait to cut loose and go back.

One thing is certain, life here is no longer as alluring as it used to be. Sure it might be fun, you have a ton of freedom and you can very much be whatever you want to be. But somehow, all of that looses it's luster with time and you're back to the basics, how much you're making vs how much you're spending. Your long term social well being for yourself and your children.

So why are people leaving in huge numbers like that!? The world is changing, and that's exactly what's driving people to flee back

Who knows how long this new wave is going to last! But for the near future, this reverse immigration is going really strong!

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« Sparkling!!

Hate at first sight! »

Memories....

#1
Hani Obaid
Said
On: 7/4/2008 10:01:54 PM

you should see the reactions I get when I say i lived in Canada 10 years then came back. Especially when 90% of the people I work with have pending applications for immigration :)

#2
za3tar
Said
On: 7/5/2008 3:51:43 AM

I personally support the reverse immigration (the return) of talented individuals. We really do need talented people to build up our homelands. Plus, i think for the tech market in MENA, there is an impending boom that we are starting to foresee easily.

#3
Summer
Said
On: 7/5/2008 11:00:39 AM

The west is not the dream land it used to be...not very easy to live there as an arab or muslim for many, also they have their share of many problems....but the middle east is not as great as it seems to be...i feel lots of negative energy here (in Amman) i cannot stand it!!!

#4
Wasim
Said
On: 7/5/2008 1:09:44 PM

Qwaider:

Actually it seems you don't know how many ppl are trying to get out of here, if there are hundreds of ppl who want to come back there are thousands who dream to take their place. at the end everyone get sick of the west and go back home, but it depends, I know ppl who just cannot think about getting back.

Hani:

When I have my certificate of selection I will invite to "rakbeh ma7sheh" for a week, I swear.

Za3tar:

I work in the IT sector and for an American company and there is no way to compare between the two, here and there, actually here we work as hard as Americans and I swaer to god we work harder and smarter, but guess what I feel here we are slaves not human beings, and don't forget the money 1 : 100, and don't tell me it depends on how much we spend, let's try to buy a car in Jordan and the same one in the US.

Guys:
Did you hear about the bus driver who took off his clothes on the streets of Irbid because he was given a ticket by a police man, can you imagine why?

#5
Hani Obaid
Said
On: 7/5/2008 1:58:42 PM

Wasim, deal, and when you get the actual Passport, will it be Ragbeh Ma7shiyeh for a month ? :)

#6
Wasim
Said
On: 7/5/2008 5:22:28 PM

Hani, let me get the passport and I will buy the whole restaurant for you, loooool

#7
KJ
Said
On: 7/5/2008 6:22:44 PM

Like you said, it all comes down to the saving vs spending basics, and in case of some individuals, what they see in a city for personal growth and other fullfillments regardless of income (as long as it covers necessities).

I have to agree with Za3tar that talented people need to go back because MENA is blooming again.

History repeats itself?

#8
Qwaider
Said
On: 7/5/2008 9:13:29 PM

Hani
I have probably done the same thing to couple of people I know who returned, that was like 10 years ago. I think (hope) I have matured a bit since then

Za3tar
I think I'm starting to support it too. But an impending boom will probably be muffled by India and china going supernova!

Summer
You're absolutely right. I'm glad someone with your experience in many parts of the world is sharing her ideas.
Amman has so many challenges, it will be very difficult for many to adjust back

Wasim
So glad to see you sharing your ideas here.
I'm positive many are trying to escape while many others are trying to get back.
What I've noticed is that there is a growing number of people trying to go back. More than before when most people were going back for their kids. Now people are going back for many other reasons.

Oh, and can I join on the Rkab ma7shyeh deal? I LOVE Rkab ma7shyyeh from Al Quds :)

Hani#2
I WANNA JOIN .. or no deal :)

Wasim#2
Wow! A whole restaurant for the passport?
man, if you have a whole restaurant you will be nuts to throw that away just for a passport! Trust me on that!

KJ
Maybe it's history, but maybe it's something else. Like stars, they shine brightest right before they ... a3ootho billah!

#9
Hani Obaid
Said
On: 7/5/2008 11:34:44 PM

Qwaider, no deal. You don't have to wait til Wasim becomes a landed immigrant.

The restaurant Wasim mentioned has daily specials, but they always have ragabat ma7shiyeh. Wasim always picks one of the specials. I just always have the ragabeh ma7shiyeh. Why mess with perfection ?

Anyway, You come back from your honeymoon safe and sound, and I'll be happy to invite both you and Wasim. It will be good to put a face to the bold avatar 8)

#10
سوزان
Said
On: 7/6/2008 6:46:39 AM

الشعور باليأس هو الدافع لمثل هذه الهجره والجهل بالحال الموجود لانه الناس اللي عايشه هون بتكذب كثير عن الوضع لانه بدهم يبينوا حالهم انه عايشين في عالم حر وراقي والاهم الترويج اللي بيصير للغرب في افلامهم انه ارض الاحلام والعمل والفلوس الكب والناس ما معهم خبر انه الاقتصاد في هالبلاد خربان وانه الناس عم تفقد اشغالها وكتير ناس بتيجي هون تنتهي انها تفتح محل او تشتغل سواق تاكسي

#11
KJ
Said
On: 7/6/2008 8:31:22 AM

But when a star explodes you get new cosmos :D

It is like sacrificing yourself for the planet.

You'd be a hero!

#12
Wasim
Said
On: 7/11/2008 12:36:21 AM

Qwaider

When you are in Amman, just give me a call and I will invite you and Hani to Rakbeh Ma7sheyh at "Nabe3 Dyafeh" restaurant, it is our favorite these days, Hani and I went to Quds rest. before, actually Hani did not like the place.

Hani
We will go two times, first time you pay second would be my turn to pay.

#13
Um Omar
Said
On: 7/22/2008 11:36:22 AM

I have been paying attention to Reverse Immigration since 9/11. I knew lots of Arab families who picked up and left the US at that time. And many came back after a year or so. It is really a difficult thing to pick up the family, especially teenage children, and move back to Amman. The lifestyle is so different and there is very little to do in Amman, that doesn't cost money. Public services are so limited in Amman. Schooling can be hell for kids whose Arabic is not up to grade level. People who come back have to think long and hard about coming and when to move. We came when our kids were very small, the eldest was starting first grade. Alhamdulillah she was able to jump right in and learn the language with her peers. The kids aren't missing too much because they were small when we left. They do realize the difference on trips back and when we return to Amman they gripe about the lack of libraries, parks and other ammenities. InshAllah things will improve in the Arab world. Making the move is a huge commitment and must be a determined one.