Mass return of expatriates can be expected due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the Govt at all levels should make contingency plans and programmes, in particular where States or local authorities are unprepared or unable to assist the returning Indian diaspora
Currently, we are witnessing the pandemic of the century and almost the whole world is in a lockdown. The lives and livelihoods of millions are in peril. Even the so-called developed countries of the West have been unable to contain the Coronavirus. In all nations, the worst-affected by the shutdowns are the migrant blue collar workers and their families as they are the most vulnerable, unorganised and exploited.
Indians being the largest migrant workforce in the world will be the worst impacted. Last year, the diaspora’s remittance was to the tune of $80 billion but what it will be this year is anybody’s guess. Frightening reports have started pouring in from different parts of the world related to the causalities suffered by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). As the healthcare sector is at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, the large number of Indian doctors, nurses, paramedics working around the globe will be the worst hit. Most of them are at risk due to the non-availability or shortage of the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed to fight the pandemic, even in developed nations.
Envisaging such disasters and conflict in 2015-16, the Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative developed guidelines to protect expatriates 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 expatriates and communities recover from crises. The guidelines address the full cycle, i.e, crisis preparedness, emergency response and post-crisis action.
Interventions, policies and structures to assist and protect immigrants during the emergency phase of conflicts and natural disasters are best set up in times of peace, before a crisis occurs, with expatriates being integrated into and involved in disaster and crisis management planning. The Sendai Framework for Action 2015-2030, adopted at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, underlines the need for a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR). Unfortunately, our preparedness in this regard for the Indian diaspora, as we all know, is non-existent.
Promoting, respecting and protecting the rights of immigrants 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, is vital.
The following are some salient points for dealing with this outbreak with an earnest request for a detailed DRR plan at all our Missions abroad for future crisis management.
Task groups should be readied for collecting and sharing data on immigrants via local networks and diaspora groups and with smart tools such as web applications and social media. This data should include 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 hotlines should be established in all the Missions especially the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries with officers to handle the major regional languages of India. Periodical advisories must be released in all the major Indian languages.
In order to provide assistance in times of crisis, it is crucial to have information on where migrants are located. Mapping must be done and should include categories for temporary and permanent immigrants, irregular undocumented residents, students and tourists.
Creative communication channels must be used to raise awareness and improve the integration of irregular migrants, as they are the worst hit.
User-friendly registration systems should be evolved for individuals and groups, especially the vulnerable sections of the undocumented or illegal immigrants.
In coordination with the governments, lists must be prepared of facilities where migrants could be accommodated, like shelters, isolation and quarantine areas. This includes a special area for women and children.
Integrating immigrants into professional and voluntary emergency and rescue services constitutes a concrete way to better adapt communication channels and services. This must be done in a way that takes into account language and the culture of migrant communities and shares knowledge between relief services and expatriate communities. Sufficient orientation and training should be imparted to professional and voluntary emergency and rescue workers to address the specific needs of immigrants in times of 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 is a must.
Local administrations generally work more closely with affected populations than the Missions and the Government and can be included in institutional cooperation from the beginning in order to make use of their ability to reach out to the affected diaspora.
To inform migrants where shelters/isolation/quarantine centres are located, awareness programmes about consular offices and shelters should be held.
It is also vital to coordinate with other governments to ensure efficient mass evacuation plans for those who want to return, especially those with irregular papers or illegal immigrants.
Planning for return and reintegration as well as for other long-term needs of immigrants must start now, as essential components of recovery plans. Mass returns of expatriates can be expected and the Government at all levels should make contingency plans and programmes, in particular where States or local authorities are unprepared or unable to assist the returning workforce.
(The writer is an NRI living in Kuwait)