Muslim Professionals Leaving France Amid Rising Discrimination, Mosque Leader Warns

"Recently, in an edition of the daily Le Monde published last week, numerous testimonies of Muslims who have chosen to leave France were collected, opting for a return to the native lands of their parents or even grandparents, or to settle in Anglo-Saxon or Gulf nations, faced with an increasingly hostile climate. A reality already highlighted on February 13, 2022 by the New York Times, without provoking any notable awareness," writes Chems-eddine Hafiz in an article entitled "’What a waste! Muslim emigration: the alarm cry of a France losing diversity’", published on the website of the Great Mosque of Paris on Tuesday. This Muslim emigration is not new. "For several years, the departures have been counted in the thousands, a trend that has clearly intensified since 2015. The report of the ’Les Pieds sur Terre’ program on France Culture on March 22, 2022 sheds a striking light on this growing state of mind among Muslims in France tempted by exile," he says.

After analyzing the testimonies, the official identifies the causes of this Muslim emigration. He notably mentions "the violence suffered by Muslims in France, whether practicing or of culture," which has become alarming. "As the New York Times article points out, there was a 52% increase in anti-Muslim acts in 2020 compared to the previous year. Moreover, a 2017 survey revealed that young men perceived as Arab or Black were twenty times more likely to be subjected to identity checks by the police," the rector points out. Another cause, this stigmatization "is exacerbated by an unfavorable political and media climate," he notes, noting that "for many years, Muslims have been the target of violent attacks, not only from the far right, but also from political formations claiming the republican ideal." Discrimination in the job market is the other cause identified by the rector, as it "remains a major obstacle for Muslims in France." As an illustrative example, he cites the recently published government report, which indicates that "candidates with Arab names have 32% less chance of being contacted for a job interview," and that "many qualified Muslims have difficulty finding a job due to prejudices and stereotypes."

This Muslim emigration will not be without consequences for France. While he fully understands "that each individual aspires to a life where he feels safe and respected, regardless of his faith or convictions," Hafiz believes, however, that "the departure towards more clement horizons of our Muslim fellow citizens is an immense loss for France in terms of talent, skills and contributions." He will add: "Muslims are undoubtedly an essential link in our society, having enriched, whether recognized or not, our history, our culture and our economy." And to question: "Let us collectively ask the essential question: what society do we want to leave to our children? A multicultural, supportive and united society, where love and interest for the homeland take precedence, especially in a world marked by multiple geopolitical dangers and worrying economic uncertainties? Or are we going to opt for a society torn apart by mutual stigmatization, where growing divisions risk marginalizing the most vulnerable citizens, thus jeopardizing the future of our great nation?"

Driven by these concerns, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris calls on the French authorities and citizens to play their part for a "harmonious and inclusive future." "It is crucial that the French authorities and citizens join forces to combat this scourge. It is time to choose the path of unity and solidarity to build together a more harmonious and inclusive environment and future for all members of our society, including our Muslim fellow citizens," he concludes.