The Effect of COVID-19 on Migrant Populations
4 Major impacts of COVID-19 on Migration Communities Around the World
As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to wind down, the past two years have made significant impacts on communities around the world. Yet, the effect of the pandemic on refugee populations has been much more drastic.
According to studies by International IDEA, a global organization focused on sustaining democracy, refugee populations and migrant communities around the globe faced increased threats against safety and social equality due to restrictions in mobility and access to adequate healthcare.
Despite global efforts to combat these inequities, below are four ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected migrant populations:
1. Economic blowback
Migrant populations were more likely to face job losses and layoffs due to a higher risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. Additionally, as borders closed and pandemic restrictions were implemented around the world, mobility became restricted for many migrants as many themselves stranded in foreign countries without any means of income. In northern, southern, and western Europe, two out of five migrant workers were the first to face layoff.
2. Increased Risk of Contracting COVID-19
As mentioned earlier, migrants faced a much higher risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. Data collected by the Center for Migration Studies displayed that “75% of newly confirmed cases” of COVID-19 in May 2020 in Saudi Arabia were among migrant communities. In Singapore, over 93% of COVID-19 cases were “related to migrants’ dormitories.” Facing this augmented risk, migrants thus faced greater health and economic instability.
Increased level of COVID-19 cases in migrant dormitories in Singapore.
3. Lack of Adequate Access to Healthcare and COVID-19 Related Information
Due to language barriers, migrants were often excluded from possible social benefits available and unable to receive vital information regarding the pandemic. Additionally, many migrants often refused to seek medical care due to fear of deportation or financial constraints.
4. Exacerbation of Social Inequity
According to data collected by International IDEA, refugees in the middle east, especially, faced increased discrimination, gender-based violence and inequality, and education restrictions. COVID-19 further augmented these existing conflicts as migrant communities faced increasing restrictions on mobility and diminishing access to healthcare systems and basic hygiene.
This chart helps illustrates the elevated levels of social inequality faced by refugees in the middle east based upon increases in actions limiting basic human rights.
As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more crucial than ever to recognize the inequalities faced by migrant populations around the globe. From elevating hygiene awareness to abating linguistic and cultural barriers, COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare and economic security for all communities.