Psychological distress caused by COVID-19 on Indian immigrants with temporary visas working in retail industries in Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

This study explores the psychological distress due to COVID-19 experienced by Indian immigrants with work visas working in retail industries throughout COVID-19 in Auckland, New Zealand. The study targeted two categories of employees: 1. immigrants with full-time work visas; and 2. immigrants with full-time work visas who were made redundant and went back to study with student visas to upskill in order to meet new job market requirements in New Zealand. The available COVID-19 literature shows the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's lives, particularly on temporary visa holders who work in the retail and hospitality sectors. The mixed-method research approach with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was employed to identify the psychological distress caused by COVID-19 among Indian immigrants with temporary visas working in retail industries in Auckland, New Zealand. The study findings revealed that 48.65% of participants on work visas experienced high to very high psychological distress, whereas 84.61% of participants on student visas experienced high to very high psychological distress. Additionally, this research discovered that changes in immigration rules, fewer family ties, worry of losing a job, and concern of being infected with COVID-19 were the participants' main reasons for psychological distress during and after COVID-19. Consequently, this research represents the psychological stress level and its leading causes due to COVID-19 among immigrants with temporary visas, especially work and student visas, which can facilitate the development of policies to mitigate the psychological distress of any future instances of a pandemic for immigrants.