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Migration to South Africa is motivated by the pursuit of employment, safety, and improved living conditions. However, immigrants encounter significant challenges, such as restricted access to essential services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malawian immigrants in South Africa, addressing the lack of attention given to this immigrant population by highlighting their vulnerabilities. Using a qualitative exploratory and descriptive approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 Malawi immigrants who were over 18 years old and had established residency in South Africa before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five key stakeholders were also interviewed for additional perspectives and to ensure triangulation and improve data reliability. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis strategies and coding with Nvivo12 software. The study highlighted the exacerbated struggles of Malawian immigrants in South Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic, uncovering systemic discrimination in healthcare, marked by longer wait times and reluctance from health workers to treat undocumented immigrants. The study also revealed a dire security situation, with immigrants living in high-crime areas and feeling particularly targeted due to their foreign status, a situation worsened by the pandemic's economic effects. Additionally, the economic downturn induced by COVID-19 significantly impacted employment opportunities, with many immigrants facing prolonged unemployment and job losses, especially in sectors where they traditionally found work. The detailed accounts of participants highlight not only the multifaceted challenges imposed by the pandemic but also the critical need for inclusive policies and support systems that ensure healthcare access, safety, and economic resilience for immigrants, particularly during global health emergencies. Future research should focus on effective interventions for socioeconomic integration and well-being, particularly for immigrants from other African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International migrants, particularly those migrating between and among developing countries (South-South migration), continue to experience increased vulnerabilities as social services in host countries are inadequate. Using the Person in Environment (PiE) framework, the study explored coping strategies adopted by Malawian migrants living in South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Malawian migrants (n = 24), and key stakeholders (n = 5). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo12. Migrants expressed reliance on self-help attitudes by remaining focused on their goals and staying positive. Participants used social support through informal networks (family, friends, and neighbors) including Malawian migrant social groups. Migrants also expressed dependence on the church and international aid organizations for informational support and to leverage national-level resources. Most importantly, the Ubuntu cultural philosophy provided them with the strength to stick together and support one another in the face of adversaries. These findings underscored the need for national policies that support underserved populations with resources to build networks of communities of coping that can reduce the risk of health threats during pandemics. Further research, on the provision of social services, and with a more diverse population of South-South migrants living in South Africa, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]