COVID-19 travel restrictions' negative impact on job security and mental health of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess travel delay and its association with job insecurity and psychological distress among migrant workers entering Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study surveyed 586 migrant workers who arrived at international airports in Riyadh and Qassim, Saudi Arabia. A well-known tool was used to measure job insecurity (De Witte Job Insecurity Scale) and mental health (general health questionnaire-12). Results: About 70% of the workers had travel delays, with an average delay of 24 weeks. The average job insecurity score was 12.4, and the average mental health distress score was 10.9. Workers who faced travel delays had much higher job insecurity scores (8.72 points higher on average) and more psychological distress (3.72 points higher). Also, higher job insecurity itself was linked to more mental health problems. Conclusion: Travel delays during COVID-19 made migrant workers feel more insecure about their jobs and worsened their mental health. This showed the importance of having policies to protect the jobs and mental well-being of migrant workers during global emergencies.