Immigrants Pre-counselling Before Departure

Pic: Nonqaba waka Msimang

Immigrants going to Canada, U.S., U.K., European Union, Australia and New Zealand need pre-boarding counselling, before collecting visas from embassies.  

Why? Coupled with not finding a job and failure to adapt to the norms of a new country might result in stress so severe, they might might end up on the streets, walking aimlessly talking to themselves.

Who will provide the counselling? Men and women who have lived in these countries can help informally, or through Non-Profit Organizations (NGO’s).

Embassies always provide printed reading material which they also post online, but it’s not enough because it paints a rosy picture of, let’s say Canada. No country mentions it’s bad side in an immigration booklet or website.

Immigrants are not monolithic. They were rich, middle class, working class, no class or royalty in their own countries. Whatever the social and economic differences, they must understand that life will be different in the new country.

1. They might not be revered as they were in the old country.

2. They might do jobs which were done by a lower class in the old country.

3. There are no classes nor castes in the new country. Constitution regards everyone as equal.

4. Women wear anything they like.

5. Women have freedom of speech and association.

6. Women are part of all decision-making in the boardroom and shop floor.

7. Customs that violate the girl child’s body like genital mutilation and child marriages are criminal and punishable by law.

8. Boys and girls learn and play together in public schools.

9. Canada recognizes all faiths as long they’re not in violation of basic human rights.

10. Family members who have been in Canada longer, might not subscribe to religious and cultural customs, especially in bringing up kids.

These are just examples. Mental health issues are the end product of resistance to change, exacerbated by two or three generations sharing smaller living quarters like apartments.

This is another ‘written podcast’ by Nonqaba waka Msimang.