Mustafa's dream is to become a successful dentist and work in the US. He chose to study in Georgia, because he knew, that the university here would offer good quality education and the fees were acceptable. Mustafa left Iraq and came to Georgia in 2015. Currently, he is a senior student of dentistry  at the University of Georgia.

After spending several months in Tbilisi, Mustafa realized that if he wanted to really integrate locally, he needed to speak the language. It was not easy, but he was determined to do it and according to him, it was worth it. Mustafa made new friends - he found out that locals appreciated his efforts to communicate with them in their language. Life became more dynamic too – basic Georgian language skills allowed Mustafa to have access to much more experiences than foreign students who do not interact much with the locals.  

Mustafa’s study schedule is quite busy. During COVID-19 he used the time to focus on himself – his studies and his discipline. Mustafa is very well informed about the ways to stay safe during the pandemic and he is making sure to follow all the rules and stay up to date with the imposed restrictions. However, it proved to be challenging for Mustafa to be away from his friends. Not being able to enjoy little things, such as playing sports and spending time with his friends turned out to be harder than he thought.

After graduation and once the situation around the pandemic stabilizes, Mustafa is planning to leave Georgia and continue his career in the US.

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 required from origin, transit and destination countries, applying to a larger and more diverse group of migrants than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.
 

Photos by Eric Gourlan

Interview by NGO Migration Center

SDG 4 - Quality Education
SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
 

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