Currently, the world is witnessing an unprecedented pandemic of the century forcing people to be under lockdown. The lives and livelihoods of millions are in peril. Even the so-called developed countries of the west are using their might to arrest or contain the pandemic, could not succeed, yet. In all countries, the worst affected are the migrant workers and their families as they are the most vulnerable, unorganized and exploited.
Indians being the largest migrant-sending country will be the biggest impacted community in the world. Last year the diaspora remittance was to the tune of USD $80 billion and this year’s remittances can be left to one’s own guess. As frightening reports started pouring from different parts of the world related to the causalities suffered by Indians, many predict that the days ahead troubles will grow exponentially. The brunt of the economic and health fallout will largely affect the migrant communities located the world over. As the pandemic is directly devastating the health sector, the large number of migrants who are working in this sector as doctors, nurses, paramedics etc. will be the worst hit. Most of them are risking their lives in some countries due to the non-availability or shortage of the most needed PPE to fight the Pandemic.
Envisaging preparations for these kinds of disaster and conflict in 2015 -16 the MICIC initiative (Migrants in Countries in Crisis ) developed guidelines to protect the migrant in countries experiencing conflict or natural disaster through an inclusive consultative process. They provide concrete and practical guidance to stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and international levels on how to prepare for and respond to crises in ways that protect and empower migrants, leverage their capacities, and help migrants and communities recover from crises. The Guidelines address the full cycle of crises – crisis preparedness, emergency response, and post-crisis action.
Interventions, policies and structures to assist and protect migrants during the emergency phase of conflicts and natural disasters are best set up in times of peace, before a crisis occurs, with migrants being integrated into and involved in disaster and crisis management planning. The Sendai (Japan) Framework for Action 2015-2030, adopted at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) underlines the need for a holistic approach to the mitigation of disaster risk. Unfortunately, our preparedness in this regard for the Indian diaspora, as we all know is nonexistent.
Promoting, respecting, and protecting the rights of migrants (as migrants are essential for a country’s development) at all times to facilitate their inclusion, mitigate their vulnerabilities, empower them to better protect themselves and their community in the event of a crisis.
The following are some salient points in dealing with this pandemic with an earnest request for a detailed DRR plan and implementation program at all our Missions abroad for present and future crisis management.
Task Groups should be readied for collecting and sharing data on migrants as a group on migrants via local networks and diaspora groups and with smart tools such as web applications and social media. This data includes information on migrant profiles (including sex, age, status and job) and contact details. While respecting data protection laws, speedy procedures are required to regulate data sharing in times of emergency.
Emergency Helplines should be established in all the missions
Especially the Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) countries with officers to handle the major regional languages of India. Time to time advisories must be released in all the major Indian languages.
Mapping of migrants and high-risk areas: In order to provide assistance in times of crisis, it is crucial to have up to date information on where migrants are located. The mapping includes categories for temporary and permanent migrants, irregular undocumented residents, students, and tourists.
Using creative communication channels: To raise awareness and improve the integration of irregular migrants, as they are the worst hit.
Individual and group registration: User-friendly registration systems should be evolved for individuals and groups especially the vulnerable sections of the undocumented or irregular migrants.
In coordination with the Countries of Destination (COD) governments, preparing lists of facilities where migrants could be accommodated like the shelter, isolation and quarantine areas. This includes a special area for women and children.
The cooperation and the assistance of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) working among the diaspora associations, trade unions, faith organizations, academics, etc.
It is also important to create networks and partnerships between CSOs and local authorities, as they are among the important groups dealing directly with migrant populations.
Integrating migrants into professional and voluntary emergency and rescue services constitute a concrete way to better adapt communication channels and services. This in a way that takes into account language and culture of migrant communities and shares knowledge between relief services and migrant communities.
Sufficient orientation and training should be imparted to professional and voluntary emergency and rescue workers to address the specific needs of migrants in times of the crisis. Training sessions in schools or at workplaces and booklets and brochures also represent valuable information sharing trajectories.
Advisories by the Missions disseminating information about emergency procedures and contacts to migrants in the mother tongue.
Working with local authorities. Local administrations generally work more closely with affected populations than the Missions and Government, and can be included in institutional cooperation from the beginning in order to make use of their possibility to reach out to the affected diaspora.
To inform migrants where shelters /isolation/quarantine are located, awareness programs about consular offices and shelters.
Coordinating with other governments to ensure efficient mass evacuation plans for those who wanted to return especially the irregular and undocumented ones.
Stern action should take to change the mindsets of some criminalizing migrants who return to India due to the pandemic.
Return, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration:- Planning for return and reintegration as well as for other long-term needs of migrants to start now as essential components of recovery plans. Mass returns of migrants can be expected and the government at all levels should make contingency plans and programs, in particular where state or local authorities are unprepared or unable to assist returning migrants.
By Thomas Mathew Kadavil,
Special to The Times, Kuwait
