Migration and Quarantine Experiences, Psychosocial Problems, and Coping Mechanisms of Migrant Returnees in Quarantine Centers in Ethiopia: Intervention for Reintegration

In relation to the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Ethiopia is receiving an increased number of migrant returnees from the Middle East and other countries abroad. While some of the returnees are coming with their own decision, many others come due to mass deportation, particularly from Lebanon, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. As one of the measures to contain the spread of the pandemic, the Ethiopian government requires returnees to stay in a mandatory quarantine. The unanticipated return of migrants in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the novel quarantine experience may seriously challenge the mental health of the returnees. In addition, coming back home in this challenging time of COVID-19 is likely to exacerbate the reintegration process. This research project is, therefore, primarily aimed at developing and pilot testing intervention package for effective re-integration of returnees. This will be informed by a comprehensive investigation of the migration and quarantine experiences, psychosocial problems, and coping mechanisms of migrant returnees in the context of COVID-19. The project will be implemented in three phases with two years life time. In the first phase of the project (or in the first year), a comprehensive investigation of returnees' migration and quarantine experiences, psychosocial challenges, and their coping strategies will be conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods. In the second phase (first three months of the second year), a socio-culturally suitable multidisciplinary intervention package will be developed informed by the findings of the comprehensive research and review of the literature. The intervention will be prepared as a package containing different strands and addressing the psychological, social and economic challenges of the returnees. The third phase (the remaining nine months of the second year) of the project is allotted for pilot testing the intervention for feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness in terms of facilitating reintegration. This will be done in collaboration with stakeholders. Data will be collected from returnees, experts working in Labor and Social Affairs offices, reintegration practitioners working in non-governmental organizations, and quarantine center coordinators. Interviews, FGDs, and standard questionnaires will be used to collect data. Data will be analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The project is expected to contribute in effective reintegration of migrant returnees through reducing their psychosocial and mental health problems. Expected Outputs The primary outcome of this project is enhanced understanding of the migration and quarantine experiences, psychosocial problems, and coping mechanisms of Ethiopian migrant returnees in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Development of a socioculturally suitable and comprehensive intervention package for successful reintegration of migrant returnees will be another major outcome of the project. More specifically, the following are expected to be achieved in this project.  Qualitative and quantitative comprehensive research reports on migration and quarantine experiences, psychosocial challenges, and coping mechanisms of returnees  Better understanding of the nexus between migration and quarantine experiences and the psychological effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on returnees  Publication of more than five papers in peer reviewed journals  Development of a socio-culturally suitable and multidisciplinary intervention package for reintegration of migrant returnees  Evaluation reports of the effectiveness of the reintegration intervention  Enhanced research skills of researchers involved in this project  At least three virtual conferences with government agencies, non-governmental organizations , and other stakeholders working in the area  Publication and dissemination of Policy briefs