Lost in the Refugee Bubble: Experiences and Coping Strategies Among Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Auckland, New Zealand During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Context: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused widespread health, social, and economic disruptions worldwide, resulting in a public health crisis that further compounded the challenges of marginalised communities. To date, we know very little about the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to best support them. This study examined the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic and their coping strategies.

Methods: The study was guided by the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative descriptive methodology. Four semi-structured interviews were undertaken with former asylum seekers and refugees living in Auckland, New Zealand, to understand their perceptions, challenges, and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis using NVivo.

Findings: The pandemic had many impacts among participants, including fear, isolation, and mental distress. Four themes were generated from a thematic analysis of data: hypocritical hospitality, dealing with separation, challenges with mitigation measures, and support and lifestyle adaptations. Participants reported having access to information and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic yet reported not receiving access to other benefits, such as New Zealand’s welfare support during lockdowns. They coped with the lockdowns by seeking up-to-date information from government sources on preventive measures, and received support from others and community leaders.

Conclusion: The measures to mitigate COVID-19 including early and hard lockdowns, and vaccinations were critical to ensuring a resilient nation, but asylum seekers and refugees were interested in being included in the government plan and volunteering services during the pandemic response. The findings present some insight into the perspectives of non-quota refugees in Auckland, which can be useful to inform current and future government strategies to address the needs of asylum seekers and refugees during national public health emergency.