New research shows the high human costs and negative impacts of border closures and travel bans during the Covid pandemic for 'transnational' individuals and families whose lives span different countries.
The stories shared in the study, conducted by Dr
Participants from more than 25 countries talked of being 'trapped', 'stuck' or 'stranded' in a state of limbo and endless uncertainty because of the international travel, border- and entry-restrictions introduced by many nations around the world during the pandemic.
The measures have affected a variety of groups whose lives span territorial borders, such as migrants, families, long distance couples and international students.
The findings, published in the journal
While the
Very little attention has been paid to the negative consequences of these measures on people's lives and wellbeing, with
'Beyond the early stages of the pandemic, border restrictions and entry bans evolved in differing ways across nation states throughout 2020 and 2021, some becoming increasingly bewildering and disproportionate,' said
'Running through the stories in this study are intensified experiences of foreignness, non-belonging, precariousness and discrimination, of having no voice. Some people also felt abandoned by their country of origin as border closures left them 'locked out' and 'blowing in the wind', fostering an experience akin to exile.
'Those most affected were left in a prolonged state of limbo, separated from loved ones for 18 months or more, and faced a range of threats to their transnational lives and well-being, as well as their livelihoods because of issues with visas and employment.'
The research was carried out virtually from
'However, this research is important as an early study of some of the severe consequences of the pandemic for those
Commenting on the decision to remove all 11 countries from the
'Nation states keeping their borders closed will not solve the pandemic at this stage and carries significant economic, diplomatic and human costs.
'Transnational life and cross-border immobility in pandemic times' is published in the journal
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