On 14 July 2020, a panel discussion was conducted by Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) on the topic, ‘The Role of Diplomatic Missions in Assisting Migrants during and beyond COVID-19’.
Thomas Kadavil, is an experienced social worker, journalist, and respected civil society leader, a strong advocate for the labour and human rights issues of migrant workers and their families, and immigrant inclusive development. Kadavil as a migrant shared his views on The Role of Diplomatic Missions in Assisting Migrants During and Post COVID-19 on the panel.
Problems Faced by Migrants
Stating that he is proud to be an immigrant, Thomas Kadavil emphasized on the problems faced by immigrants, and said that issues faced by migrants were brought under the sustainable development goals (SDG). According to him, 2018 was the year of Magna Carta in this process, and the discussions and awareness around these problems increased. Immigrants are amongst the most vulnerable people out there affected due to the pandemic, and among them, the most vulnerable are women and children, and hence the SDG for the migrant problems are still valid.
Attention to Cooperation
Pointing out the fact that there is a lack of global cooperation in the face of a pandemic, Kadavil emphasized on the practice of making global pacts because cooperation in times of crisis will produce effective results.
He rightly pointed out that the lack of cooperation of nations in times of crisis like COVID-19, has affected migrants the most. The decisions taken by the leaders during the crisis has affected the immigrants the most. There should have been a tentative plan in place for them. It is important for the global stakeholders to make short- and long-term plans for them. The migrants are in the middle of their immigrant cycle, and they need work to earn daily wages.
A contract between the countries has to be formed and implemented, and has been questioned repeatedly as to why such cooperation has not been achieved yet. It is only now, that wealthy and well as developing countries are trying to enhance cooperation. Mr. Kadavil also called out to diplomats of all the countries to make this effort a fruitful one. He also noted that situation in the Middle East was dire, and that the embassies were not fulfilling their duties. They were not looking after the welfare and safety of their native citizens. Cases of salary theft in Kuwait and India have also risen since the pandemic, and both countries are unwilling to take their labour migrants back.
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.