Pervasive systemic drivers underpin COVID-19 vulnerabilities in migrants

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants are historically vulnerable populations facing structural barriers.
• The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly exacerbated existing inequalities and vulnerabilities for these migrant groups.
• Pre-existing systemic drivers, including nationalism and xenophobia, intensified during the pandemic, leading to discriminatory policies.

Discussion:

• COVID-19 amplified pre-existing systemic inequalities, manifesting as 'COVID-19 nationalism' and 'COVID-19-related xenophobic stigma'.
• These evolving drivers fueled discriminatory policies and programs, further marginalizing vulnerable migrant populations.
• The pandemic highlighted the need to address deep-rooted systemic issues affecting migrant well-being.

Key Insights:

• Migrant vulnerabilities are not solely a consequence of the pandemic but are rooted in long-standing systemic inequalities.
• The pandemic transformed and intensified xenophobic sentiments and nationalistic policies targeting migrants.
• Discrimination and segregation were evident in policies enacted during the COVID-19 era.

Outlook:

• Transformative changes in asylum policies are essential for addressing systemic drivers of vulnerability.
• Holistic and systematic approaches are needed to redesign policies effectively.
• Involving migrants in government planning and policy processes is crucial for creating equitable and responsive systems.