COVID-19 Faces of Migration - Story of Folab (age 42), migrant from Nigeria, living in Tbilisi

Folab, 42, has been living in Georgia with his wife Frida for eight years. Folab is the pastor of the Nigerian Protestant Church in Tbilisi, the "Holy Church of the Open Christians.” Frieda is a doctor by profession and studies at the Medical University.

Folab came to Georgia to get an education. From his native Nigeria, he first traveled to the United Kingdom and then, a few years later, traveled to Georgia and received a bachelor's degree in business administration. Today, he considers Georgia as his second home. He loves traveling in the mountains and seaside of Georgia.

In parallel with his studies in Georgia, Folab has continued to serve in the Church, which has become a center of spiritual and material support for African-born migrants living in Tbilisi, including students. Thursdays and Sundays are especially crowded in the church. The Bible is taught in the church on Thursdays. On Sundays about a hundred believers gather in the church. Pastor Folab addresses the congregation with a sermon and then they sing worship songs as a congregation. Believers in the church need to express their happiness and joy and thus express their gratitude and love for God.

Of course, the pandemic changed many things in the life of pastor Folab and his church. Like other religious organizations, the door to the “Holy Church of the Open Christians” has been closed to believers and weekly services have shifted from real space to virtual space. According to pastor Folab, along with preaching, it has become important to inform believers about the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. The church provided food and other necessities for those who could not afford to leave the house.

Folab says their church has strictly followed the Georgian government's recommendations. The pastor thinks that no matter where you come from, you should respect the history, culture, and laws of the country in which you live.

Pastor Folab believes that a pandemic poses a threat to everyone equally, regardless of skin color or origin. He thinks that dealing with the virus is only possible through joint efforts, with the emergence of responsibility on the part of each member of society, and with the love and support of the people.

Pastor Folab says that the existence of mutual understanding between people is also important in overcoming the problem of racism. He thinks that it is impossible to judge people without getting to know them. Folab recalls that he himself experienced the problem of racism and he hears stories of discrimination from others, but he is convinced that if Georgians get to know Africans, they will have a better idea about them. Folab says the door to his church is open to everyone.

The COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis. The threat remains the virus: not people, not migrants, not stranded, or displaced persons. The pandemic is borderless; people are affected regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or status.

Migrants are not inherently more vulnerable to, or at heightened risk of, contracting infectious diseases. Rather, it is the conditions in which they migrate, live, or work that influence or compound health risks, including access to health services.

As an immediate impact, travel restrictions and border closures have left thousands of migrants stranded around the world, from labourers to international students, in need of assistance and in often precarious situations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken to the core international trade and travel. This is not limited to migrant workers but also affects tourists, businesspersons, students, cross-border trade, as well as free movement and regional integration regimes. The closure of borders has widespread implications, including for future migration dynamics. Where and when travel and mobility resume, additional health requirements will be put in place required from the origin, and including transit and destination countries.

Globally IOM is ensuring full inclusion and social cohesion of migrants and societies through evidence-based public discourse, communication and information campaigns to dispel fears and misconceptions.

This pandemic has revealed how none will be safe until all are safe.  And this requires a shared and collective interest in the safety and well-being of all.
 

Photo by Eric Gourlan

Interview by NGO Rights Georgia