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IOM Zimbabwe releases Preliminary Findings Report on Socio-Economic Assessment of Migrants Returning to Zimbabwe in the time of COVID-19.

IOM Zimbabwe releases Preliminary Findings Report on Socio-Economic Assessment of Migrants Returning to Zimbabwe in the time of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic is arguably on the biggest shocks faced by global health systems with massive impact on economies and societies. In response to the pandemic, IOM reinforces its mandate to promote and restore the wellbeing of migrants as well as to advocate for their rights. This is done through the provision of technical capacity to the Government and evidence-based information to the humanitarian community. To ensure migrants’ vulnerabilities are addressed, IOM has conducted a socio-economic survey to understand the critical needs of retuning migrants. 71 per cent of those surveyed reported a negative socio-economic impact on their livelihoods and wellbeing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the reported needs the proposed response is for a reintegration package covering immediate emergency assistance to cover short term food and transportation needs and mid-to-long term reintegration package covering business setup support and cash assistance.