The mental health and wellbeing of Belarusians in exile in Lithuania, Poland and Georgia

Abstract

The large-scale international migration of Belarusian citizens is not a new phenomenon. However, it has escalated significantly since the fraudulent Presidential elections in August 2020 led to mass protests, repression, and the forced emigration and exile of between 300,000–500,000 Belarusians. This paper reports on the health and wellbeing experiences and needs of Belarusians who have migrated to Lithuania, Poland and Georgia since August 2020. Drawing on data from a survey (822 respondents), and from 60 in-depth interviews with those in exile the paper examines experiences of settlement and adjustment, challenges accessing healthcare services, migrant mental health needs and the role of diaspora groups in the provision of support. Across these themes we report how ontological insecurity and ambiguities around ‘deservingness’ have been exacerbated by the unfolding tensions and conflict across the eastern European region, with widescale detrimental impacts on Belarusian migrants’ health and wellbeing.