Paris Olympics to take away homes of 5000 immigrants - Reports

The Olympics are known to be the biggest sporting event in the world. Organized every four years, the showpiece event hosts numerous sports and is believed to be an economic booster to the country or city. It affects the economy and local businesses in a lot of ways starting from employment for the Games to accommodation of spectators or tourists.

However, the Paris Olympics 2024 is currently facing a controversy. As per reports in the media, the upcoming Summer Games have made 5000 immigrants homeless. The government has put them in buses and made them move out of Paris ahead of the Olympics. Reportedly, the immigrants were offered accommodation in a different place but they are currently living in streets, which are quite far from their home.

Notably, 100,000 homeless people are living in and around Paris. This is half the number of homeless people living in entire France. Last year, the government had opened 10 shelters across the nation. The past year saw 5000 people around the city evicted by police and court, as per a senior Paris official.

Moreover, the people from the Orleans shelter said that they left their jobs in Paris and hoped to get a home and social services but when they reached there, there was nothing. They were lied to evict them from the place. Some people even returned to Paris but they are now illegal residents.

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Olympic Village not in a good place?

Also, the Olympic Village, where the athletes from around the globe participating in the Paris Olympics will be living, has been reportedly in Seine-Saint-Denis, which is claimed as one of the poorest suburban areas in the French capital. There are thousands of people there who live in shelters, abandoned buildings, and street camps.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to start from July 26, with some events starting as early as July 24 too, and will conclude on August 11.