The COVID-19 pandemic: we need urgent measures to protect people and mend the cracks in our health, social protection and migration systems
Originally published by PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants) on 01/03/2020
Summary
This article depicts the hardships faced by migrant workers and associated risks in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, migrant workers are particularly challenged in that their right to remain in a country is dependent upon their job. The sudden losses of jobs as a result of the economic situation resulting from Covid-19 will leave migrants without status and facing deportation.The article further calls upon authorities to institute a number of measures aimed at protecting this vulnerable population, including: – ending immigration detention – suspension of all return decisions and deportations; – providing emergency support to marginalized populations; – addressing gaps in public health systems – prioritizing health over immigration status – addressing homelessness and food insecurity – ensuring police measures introduced to control population movements are not discriminatory – empower thru information – extend or issue temporary permits