On 14 July 2020, a panel discussion was jointly organized by Jointly Organized by Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Manila, Philippines, Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT), New Delhi, India and Cross Regional Center for Refugees and Migrants (CCRM), Beirut, Lebanon.
Ambassador Nahida Sobhan who is the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Jordan, and the first female diplomat in the Middle East, shared her own experience dealing with the role of the Diplomatic missions.
Mission’s scope of work during COVID-19
Nahida shared that in providing their services during the pandemic, missions have to engage with recruitment agencies and employers to raise awareness about how migrants can protect themselves. On top of that, other services include ensuring migrants’ rights are recognised and identifying the most vulnerable groups in order to provide moral and material support.
Also, missions have to ensure the job security of migrants within the Jordanian law and ensuring their right to return by engaging with multiple stakeholders.
Nahida also emphasises on key challenges that she and her mission have to overcome during their work. The stigma against migrants workers is the most severe, followed by the lack of communication between the Bangladeshi migrants and the mission.
A big absence of the United Nations agencies
Lastly, the most significant challenge that resonates with all missions as Nahida claims, is the absence of international and regional cooperation. There is a severe lack of international and regional mechanisms being implemented that can address the vulnerabilities and difficulties of migration in times of crisis so huge such as COVID-19. She cites the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) and the Colombo Process, underscoring that such mechanisms are of such importance in managing migration in all kinds of circumstances.
Tashryn, is 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. Email:tashryn.mohd@gmail.com