On July 2020, a panel discussion was conducted by Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT). [GRFDT], on the topic, ‘The Role of Diplomatic Missions in Assisting Migrants during and beyond COVID-19’.
Manish Gupta is a diplomat and a member of the Indian Foreign Service since 1998 and has a vast experience in dealing with multilateral issues. He is currently working in Sydney, Australia,
The Problem Is an Entirely New Paradigm
Noting that this generation is facing such a crisis for the first time, Manish Gupta pointed out that in reality this is a global challenge. While it may seem quite simple in terms of argument, especially when talking about countries of origin and destination, the real challenge is that the migrant workers are the most vulnerable. Since he is based in Sydney, he said that the migrants are the most vulnerable in the city. Students from different countries face the biggest challenges, even if they are living in the country of their origin.
Importance of Social Media
Gupta noted that the use of technology and of social media can help the ministries. There are central ports with databases for people which need to be taken back. Secondly, the consular wings need to develop a new work format, especially for communicating on social media. They need someone dedicated to the same, as it is important to be active on Twitter and Facebook 24/7, to communicate to the public, and inform them about the developments of the situation. Social media is one of the best platforms to inform about plans, provide feedbacks and also reach out for help.
Another challenge faced by the migrants is to get approval from the host countries because of loss of documentation. Although countries like India have stated missions like Vande Bharatto bring back migrants from other countries, after testing them and bringing the back in safe conditions. All this was coordinated within a period of sixty days.
He later emphasized on the fact that students find it to be the most difficult because their classes are online and students are highly dependent on part-time jobs in countries such as Australia, where their jobs have been suspended by the crisis and they are managing with their savings. They need emotional and mental support. For this, he thanked the diaspora, and said that they are the force multipliers and without their help, people, especially India students would have faced a lot of difficulties.
Sümeyra Tahta, is a 4th year undergraduate student of International Relations at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University in Turkey. During her undergraduate education, she has been interning at many institutions, in the field of immigration and currently continues her internship at the Migration Research Foundation, and she receives “Basic Education on Migration and Diaspora Education”. She has written various articles on migration and agenda at the Diplomatic Strategy Research Center. She continues her volunteer work with migrants.