Local officials fear lasting instability where extensive unrest can be triggered by a single incident, both locally and internationally. They see a risk for a so-called "permakris", a state of permanent crisis.
Warning is given that families have hidden for safety reasons and that authorities may have difficulty helping them with emergency housing if new unrest breaks out – where military bases can be the last resort.
The warning finger comes after a summer of unrest described as anti-immigrant violence.
Unaccompanied refugee children at accommodations have been asked to lock windows and doors, and always have their mobile phone charged. Documents also show, among other things, that foreign healthcare staff last year were offered personal alarms and escorts.
In June this year, homes belonging to foreign families in the city of Ballymena were attacked. In connection with this, a local was set on fire that would have housed those affected by the violence. Also in July 2024, riots in England spread to Belfast, which targeted local businesses owned by foreigners.
Immigrants make up 3.4 percent of the population in Northern Ireland, which is lower than in the rest of the United Kingdom.
