Untold Stories: Migrant Experiences Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic and Border Restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedent changes in the modern world, resulting in severe mobility restrictions to contain the virus’s transmission. The New Zealand Government responded to the spread of COVID-19 with swift and stringent countermeasures, instantiating rigorous border restrictions as the country’s first line of defence. These measures had profound impacts on the lives of both migrants and locals, yet the specific repercussions for migrants have received limited research attention. This research explored the experiences of migrants residing in Aotearoa New Zealand during COVID-19. Employing qualitative methodology informed by Braun and Clarke’s (2013) Thematic Analytic framework, I interviewed ten migrants to New Zealand about their experiences. Analysis of these semi-structured interviews identified three themes. Theme 1 described the feelings of helplessness and uncertainty brought by COVID-19 and the measures in place to contain its spread, organised into four subthemes: 1) What if’s – a consequence of the mobility impact, 2) “There’s nothing I can do”, 3) Worrying for families overseas and 4) Not getting the desired help. Theme 2 highlighted the perceived group division that distinguished migrants from the general population. This theme was divided into three subthemes: 1) Immigration status, 2) Migrants bond with other migrants and 3) Discrimination and xenophobia. Finally, Theme 3 encompassed the feeling of being ‘stuck’ due to the severe travel restrictions adopted by New Zealand. This theme was composed by three subthemes, 1) Saudade (a Portuguese term used by a Brazilian participant), 2) exhaustion – “okay, I’m over it now” and 3) Leaving means giving it all up. The themes developed in the process of analysis of the current research contribute to filling a gap in the literature concerning the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health of migrants in Aotearoa. I conclude with discussions on future research directions and recommendations for policy and practice are discussed.