RETURNEES AND PANDEMICS

Abstract

COVID-19 is a natural disaster affecting almost every country of the world. Intensity or frequency of the pandemic has varied across nations, by age factors, by geographic distribution, and by ecosystem of the country. It is the most significant health hazard of the world in 21st century that started from China and affected almost every sphere of life across the globe. One of the most significant implications of this pandemic is restriction on mobility. Migration as worldwide phenomena has deep historical roots either it be long or short term. This study focused primarily on returnees repatriating back to their countries of origin i.e. Pakistan. The study takes into account the problems returnees faced due to sudden halt in international mobility from an anthropological perspective. The data were collected from the foreign returnees; those were stuck while returning back to Pakistan to gain insights on their issues and vulnerabilities faced meanwhile. The overall sample size of the respondents who consented to be interviewed was forty-four which was conducted through an interview guide. These people were interviewed in depth. Most were held telephonically since the data was collected during the first and second wave of this pandemic which barred in person interviews as a precautionary measure and SOP of social interaction in COVID-19. Lists of foreign returnees with their names, contact numbers, passport numbers and addresses were collected from the interior department and hotels designated for compulsive quarantine of returnees in Islamabad once they were satisfied with the intent of the researcher through formal permissions. The data revealed that the respondents belonged to different age groups. Among them, 79.5 percent were males and 20.5 percent females. As far as the information on educational level is concerned, 11.4 percent were illiterate. Majority of the respondents were having their own business in foreign countries. Respondents are well motivated to handle this situation for their well-being. Stress and anxiety were reported both at migrants‘ and their family end. Government and health enforcement agencies performed their jobs to treat mental health of patients along with coping mechanism and emotional well-being. Mostly returnees were satisfied with preparation made by the government. Majority of the respondents came back due to COVID-19 after shutting down the activities. Mostly were worried about their financial concerns for future. Some of them intend to travel back when the pandemic is over. People who had savings or alternate source of income and viii those who were financially independent were less subjected to mental stresses. While those who were hit by the COVID-19 either in the form of loss of a dear one or financial instability were highly subjected to mental illnesses.