Soheil has been living in Georgia for already three years. He was invited by a Georgian company as a business consultant to support the company in its efforts to establish business ties with Iran. The company was selling glass products imported from Iran; however, the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent closure of borders have almost suspended regular supplies from Iran, except for food products.

In these difficult times, Soheil has managed to support himself with savings; however, many Iranians living in Georgia have found themselves without jobs and income.  In addition, Soheil is currently struggling to extend his residence permit. According to him, some Iranians who have been denied residence permits are applying for refugee status to prolong their stay in Georgia for another two or three years and to pursue business as usual.

Before COVID-19 Soheil used to spend most time in Georgia, making short visits to his home country to see his parents and relatives. His wife used to frequently travel to Georgia and stay for quite a long time. Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she spent four months in Georgia and managed to return to Iran before international flights were suspended. 

Although Soheil is facing challenges, such as complicated procedures for extending his residence permit and understanding rules and guidelines to ensure long-term planning for his business, he explains, that there is still a great interest of Iranian businessmen towards Georgia. In his opinion, the main reason is that Georgia is a safe country, located close enough to Iran for making traveling between two countries quick and simple.  As an immigrant from Iran he has on occasion encountered unfriendly attitudes towards Iranians among local population, but Soheil thinks that culturally, Georgia has many similarities with his home country. He especially appreciates that traditional values ​​are maintained in Georgia.

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.
 

Photos by Eric Gourlan

Interview by NGO Rights Georgia

SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
 

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