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’.
Samantha Jayasuriya is the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, with 22 years of experience in diplomacy. She discussed diplomatic missions as one of the frontline forces for migrants during the pandemic.
Response to COVID-19
For the Sri Lankan embassy to Thailand, they developed a COVID-19 taskforce consisting of mainly security personnel and medics to manage quarantine procedures and provide treatment to Sri Lankan migrants. According to her at that time, these measures proved successful in achieving high recovery rates of 80% and low severity rates of 0.55%.
Functions of a diplomatic mission
Samantha explained that the first step in coordinating the mission’s response was to gather information and data to oversee Sri Lankans overseas. A dedicated focal point was established – an online portal called ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ for Sri Lankans overseas to access the information they needed. This is an important step in the pandemic context for governments to assess the ground situation and identify priorities based on relative vulnerabilities.
Next, is for the mission to support and provide serves to needy migrants. From what she has observed so far, Samantha said that the officials in her mission have acted beyond duty. Their commitment and humanity totals beyond giving out food rations and including granting amnesties, securing jobs and even providing alternative shelters where possible.
Lastly, the mission takes responsibility for repatriation by managing the intermittent return of migrants back to Sri Lanka. This is so as not to overwhelm the nation, mainly so the crisis does not go outbound.
We embassies, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, need to continue coordination with various stakeholder: Samantha
Challenges
There were certainly some difficulties to be faced with in such a time of uncertainty and chaos. Some of them that Samantha highlighted were difficulties in prioritizing who to repatriate since these groups consisted of students, stranded migrants etc. Furthermore, the functions of the mission were challenged by limited capacity and resources, given how unprecedented the nature of the crisis is.
Samantha concluded that it is the utmost responsibility of missions to make objective and fact-based recommendations regularly. With this, governments are able to make informed decisions especially during times of crisis such as COVID-19.
Tashryn Mohd Shahrinis an avid rock climber, who loves the thrill of heights. When she is not climbing, she is gushing over babies and hanging out in book cafes.