Mental Health Status of Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Migration has become a de facto phenomenon in the contemporary globalized world and India is not untouched. Indian labourers from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh migrated to the UAE in search of better jobs and prospects. They migrated alone and left behind their families. The distance between them and their family can also create mental disorders; therefore, it becomes necessary to analyze the mental health of the migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study is quantitative and based on a sample survey approach. The researchers collected 416 samples through a structured questionnaire and used the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, chi-square test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze and interpret the results. The outbreak of coronavirus disturbed their livelihood resulting in a cut to their salary or earnings; in total, 83% of migrants were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of loss of their income, out of which 76% were affected by less than AED 1000. The respondents’ mental health was worrisome, but they were hopeful for the future. In total, 73.5% of respondents felt nervous, 62% felt depressed, 77% felt lonely, 63.4% had a hard time sleeping, and 63% had difficulties concentrating. The findings of the study draw attention to the policymakers to carry out necessary provisions to the targeted psychologically affected community. The findings also suggest creating awareness among the people by using social networking sites and diagnosing mental disorders on an urgent basis.

Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: Perceptions, Challenges, and Psychological Effects

“…The spread of COVID-19 also creates distress for women (especially pregnant women), a study conducted while taking a sample of 384 pregnant women in the UAE during the pandemic confirms the severe psychological distress and changes in the lifestyle of women during the COVID-19 pandemic (Hashim et al 2021). Few studies also confirm the mild psychological impact on the adult population of UAE during the pandemic period (Khan et al 2023b). The major issues of psychological distress were due to work stress, financial crisis, job insecurity, etc.…”