COVID-19 EFFECTS ON IMMIGRATION
Covid-19 has been the headlines of discussions around the world since the start of the year 2020. The spread of the virus has caused panic across the globe. Covid-19 has not affected the health sector alone, but it has affected hugely international trade, financial markets, the economy of countries and also it also led to people losing jobs due to the lockdowns and curfew imposed by various governments in attempt to counter the spread of the virus which has claimed several lives of people around the world. On the pandemic effects to the globe, we shall discuss the impacts of covid 19 on the immigration sector.
Temporal ban on immigrationcountries like the United States have put in place temporary suspension of foreigners applying to reside in America on immigrant visas permanently. Due to the emergence of Covid-19 United States, citizens have lost jobs at a high rate. The high unemployment rate has been caused by the closure of significant companies that are vulnerable to exposing workers to the virus. The American president also argued that adding more permanent residents to the united states is riskier since the health care resources very limited in this time of the covid-19 pandemic; thus, it would be advisable to concentrate on the Americans and the current I immigrants in America.
Changes in the provision of immigration servicesTo curb the spread or importation of the virus from other country’s governments e.g., the government of Kenya has reduced access to the immigration offices which deal with passports and nationals management services. Since the government advised many workers to work from home e the staffing number in immigration offices has drastically reduced; hence the service in the offices is very minimal.
Delay in the provision of immigration services
the Immigration departments have issued warning that their offices may not be functioning . Hence leading to delay in collection of permits that have been published in the immigration system. Still, the licenses will remain valid from the date of payment and will be collected in a future date. This creates delays since people cannot immigrate to their dream destination; their permit have been held by the immigration departments. This move has affected both immigrants in the country and those outside the state in accessing their immigration documents.
Travel bansCovid 19 has led to the imposition of travel bans; countries have agreed to close their borders to avoid unnecessary traveling of their citizens. U.S. and Canada have decided to close their borders to prevent unnecessary traveling by their citizens. China and Iran have concluded to shut individuals who not U.S. citizens and have been to China or Iran for 14 days before their intended U.S. entry. Countries have also advised their citizens to avoid international travel and advised citizens of their citizens abroad to avoid international traveling.
Embassy closuresMany states have advised their workERS to stay at home and work from home to other nations where the outbreak of covid-19 has been immense has led to the total lockdown. Many embassies have closed hence leading to the suspension of all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa-issuing
Final thought
The covid-19 pandemic rapid spread has caused the world a lot of challenges to the human population. All the nations are using all means possible to save their citizens from this deadly virus. Adhering to the precaution put by the health sector is very important. Social distancing and through the washing of hands is very crucial in fighting the infection.