The nowhere people: Lived experiences of migrant workers during Covid-19 in India

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a wave of changes in the lives of people across the world, especially those from marginalized communities. The study aimed to understand the lived experiences of migrant workers during the early months of the pandemic using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Thirteen men working as migrant workers in Mumbai, India were interviewed telephonically and the data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis. Migrant workers highlighted the challenges they experienced in getting back home, fears of dying alone away from home, the stress of unemployment and poverty and its impact on them and their families. They expressed feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness about not knowing what will happen in the future. Using an intersectional lens the study highlights how the identity of being a migrant worker further marginalised these individuals, thereby impacting their well-being and presents implications for mental health policy and practice.