COVID-19, migrants, and world large urban areas: a thematic policy brief

Migrants living in large urban areas are disproportionately impacted by health crises such as pandemics. This policy brief explores how urban areas mitigate and/or exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 on migrant groups and provides policy recommendations. We conducted a policy review to focus on the effects of COVID-19 on migrants living in cities with > 500,000 residents. We found that structural inequity, lack of migrants' inclusion in as relief programs, and residential segregation exacerbated COVID-19 impacts. Engagement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and e-governance showed promising effects mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on these groups; yet the use of technology introduced additional barriers such as access to devices and internet connection. We recommend increasing policy attention to systemic social inequities faced by migrant groups in urban areas and supporting innovative and inclusive implementation of public health policies, urban design, and greater engagement of CSOs in the delivery of services to migrants.