Effects of Government Actions on Safety and Security Perceptions of International Students during COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Abstract

Introduction: International students’ safety and security matters as they are migrants and foreigners belonging to a special minority group of people that need to be protected each and every time based on diplomatic ties on international endeavors. This study examines the effects of government actions in regards to safety and security perceptions of international students in Hubei Province, China during COVID-19 Pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional survey design was conducted in March 2020 involving 13 different universities in Hubei province of China. Data was collected through an online Microsoft questionnaire which was sent to selected universities that were purposively and conveniently sampled. Results: 300 questionnaires were received out of 392, representing a response rate of 76.5%. Majority of the respondents were in the age group of <30 years representing 92.3%, almost 96% were single. 79% were undergraduate students, and among these, 64% had stayed in China for over 2 years. It was also revealed that more than half (51.7%) were Christians and more than one third (37%) were muslims. There was a positive correlation between social distance measures and safety and security perceptions while no correlation was found between information dissemination and safety and security perception. Lastly, students were materially supported with their respective authorities and that the political will was good. Conclusion: The actions of the government especially through the social distance measures have proved to positively increase international students’ safety and security perceptions. Further, authorities tried to facilitate material and social support to the students. We recommend authorities to continue putting the safety and security of international students at their heart as demonstrated in China.