COVID-19 Faces of Migration – Story of Elene (age 21), returnee from Greece

Elene moved from her village in Shida Kartli region of Georgia to Tbilisi to study law. But during her second year of study it became clear that the financial support her parents were sending her from the village was no longer sufficient to cover her university fees, cost of study material, apartment rent and everyday expenses. Elene decided to start working during night shifts as a consultant in one of the supermarkets. As her grades began to worsen, Elene realized that hard work and irregular sleep were affecting her capacity to study and ruining her plans. So, she decided to put her studies on hold – go abroad to work, save up some money and resume her studies with new energy. 

With the help of her relatives, Elena left Georgia and found a job as a housekeeper in Greece. She only spoke English when she left, by thanks to her capacity to easily learn new languages and her determination, she soon mastered Greek. Though her employers were kind to her, and she quickly adapted to the new environment, she missed her parents and friends and missed her home. What kept her going during those two years apart from her loved ones, was her motivation to save up some money and finally achieve her goal – study hard and get the degree she always wanted.  

She was already thinking about returning home when she heard about IOM’s programme, offering return and reintegration assistance. This option further increased her confidence. As she was working without relevant documents in Greece for these two years, Elene felt relieved when she found out, that upon choosing voluntary return she would be able to leave without penalty and by choice, as opposed to being forced to leave. In addition, she would also be eligible for some support upon return. When Elene left Athens on 12 March 2020, COVID-19 was already declared a global pandemic. She had to pass through strict public health controls but managed to arrive safely in Georgia. Though Elene could not wait to see all her friends, she and her family spent mandatory 14 days in self-isolation. Still, Elene was happy to be back home – at least she could spend some time with her family immediately upon return.

Elene returned from Greece with some savings. With IOM’s reintegration assistance she purchased cattle for dairy farming and managed to expand her family’s agriculture activity, cultivation of fruits and vegetables, to also include farming and dairy production. Even in the time of COVID-19 the family managed to keep their business going.  

Once the restrictions are lifted and educational institutions resume their regular work, Elene will go back to her studies. She has not forgotten about her main goal – to graduate with a law degree and work in legal field.   

Many migrant workers in different parts of the world are unable to return home, stuck in their countries/areas of work without employment.

In various parts of the world IOM is assisting thousands of migrants who have been affected by movement restrictions and are unable to work or return home.
 

Photos by Eric Gourlan