Shall I Be Buried in My Land? Difficulties of Pakistani Labour Diaspora in the Middle East

Abstract

Background: After the outbreak of COVID-19, the psychosocial issues of employees serving as labor in the Middle East have increased. Corona-related fear, death anxiety, obsessive scary thoughts of having the infection, feelings of helplessness, and financial insecurity is prevailing.

Methods: Review of recently published articles that discuss the challenges and difficulties of Pakistani labour diaspora in the Middle East after the upsurge of COVID-19. Both empirical and non-empirical articles were reviewed that were available at PubMed, PsycINFO, and newspapers.

Results: Emotional health and financial security are intricately linked. Pakistani Labours in the Middle East are not sure whether they will able to see their families. They are apprehended that if they die in the remote land, will they be buried in their motherlands. Besides, job loss, salary abatements, and financial insecurity have elevated their level of distress.

Conclusions: The provision of urgent financial assistance and accessibility to effective and efficient psychological support services would help in alleviating widespread despair and loss. The reassurance of financial security from the government would help in promoting their confidence and wellbeing.