Contextualizing migration and mental health in the post-COVID era

Abstract

Background: The population of migrants all over the world is progressively rising. The major reasons for migration include the desire for self-actualization, moving to a place with more opportunities, tourism, and education, and escaping hardship and political unrest in the home country. In recent times climate change, insecurity, and economic hardship are top of the list. The global economy has suffered a major blow from the multiple waves of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. To lessen the scourge of inflation and to restore economic stability, several countries are being forced to liberalize their immigration policies and therefore immigrants are welcomed in these nations. This review attempts to investigate how migration in the post-pandemic era affects migrants' mental health.

Main Text: Migration and the COVID-19 epidemic both have beneficial and durable effects on the mental health of migrants and immigration laws have a direct impact on several health-related issues. Mental health disorders may develop at any point from the pre-migration phase to the post-migration settlement in the host nations. Factors such as host community, racism, marginalization, political climate, poor support, loss of social status, language barriers, undocumented status, climate change, mode of dressing in the host country, and several others may lead to mental health disorders among migrants. Unfortunately, there is limited access to care, and the services provided may not be culturally sensitive.

Conclusion: Despite the benefits gotten from migration like financial benefits and economic development of the native country and the left behind family members, migration has enormous psychological complications which have to be attended to. Access to specialists who are trained to provide culturally sensitive interventions and implement outreach programs to introduce the services to the migrants’ community should be encouraged.