On June 2020, a panel discussion was conducted by Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism [GRFDT], on the topic, ‘’ Livelihood of Migrants during COVID-19 and Future Challenges’’.
Dr. Faiz Omar Mohammad Jamie, Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies, University of Bahri shared his views on the livelihood of migrants in COVID-19, with respect to Sudanese nationals living abroad and migrant workers residing in Sudan.
Migrant workers affected by the pandemic
Explaining on the livelihoods of immigrants and possible future scenarios due to COVID-19, Dr. Faiz Omar, emphasized three issues: Firstly, the spread of the epidemic and epidemic in Sudan, second, who are the immigrants in Sudan? Thirdly, and lastly, the difficulties that migrant workers face. Most people in Sudan believe that the virus was brought back to the country by repatriates. In March, especially in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, there were no local cases and quarantine was applicable to those coming from abroad. The virus has spread significantly in Sudan, especially in the last four months, and thus has affected citizens as well.
Dr. Faiz demarcated the migrants into two categories: Registered immigrants, including people working abroad, for example Philippines, companies and NGOs in India and China include students from Somalia or Nigeria. The second category of migrants includes irregular migrants on the transit route. Young people with visas through Nigeria and Africa are excluded from it. Irregular migrants and refugees, workers in Sudan migrant types companies, NGOs and many UN staff have encountered difficulties due to the COVID-19 virus. Migrant workers working in Sudan faced difficulties due to the pandemic, and it has significantly affected them economically.
Sümeyra Tahta, an International Relations student working on Migration, lives like migratory birds. https://twitter.com/SmyraTahta