The COVID-19 Crisis’ Detriments on International Migration
- Julia Kyi
- Mar 8, 2022
- 3 min read
Intro:
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immigration numbers to plummet, and sent refugees into a spiral of fear and uncertainty. As countries struggle to meet immigration targets, many individuals are left in unsafe situations without hope. While governments are taking strides to support immigrants during this time, there is much more that can be done.
The Issue:
Since the spread of COVID-19, the UN has reported the growth of international migration slowing by 27%. This lack of access and opportunity to migrate has been impacting the livelihoods of millions of families and people. Additionally, refugees are struggling tremendously, contacting COVID-19 in refugee camps and being turned away while seeking safe haven or asylum. The UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, mentioned that over 60 countries are using COVID-19 as an excuse to close their borders and ports to those in search of asylum.
Source: OECD
The Rise of Immigration:
The amount of immigrants worldwide has been on a steady rise throughout the past decades, with the numbers increasing by millions. Immigrants make up approximately 3.6% of the world’s population, and face many disadvantages that are amplified by the effects of the pandemic. Many immigrants struggle with the major transition of moving countries, and during COVID-19, welcoming and support is lacking, along with schooling and job opportunities when they arrive.
Immigration and COVID-19:
Migrant labour has been slowed, and, in some places, entirely halted due to travel restrictions. And those with work visas have experienced massive layoffs. These restrictions close doors for immigration hopefuls, and provide more roadblocks in addition to the minimal opportunities for legal and safe immigration. Many Canadian immigration experts say that with the obstacles the world health crisis has created, it will be virtually impossible to reach this year's immigration targets.
Refugees and COVID-19:
The pandemic has caused extreme detriments to refugee support, and those seeking a new life are far less likely to be met with support and safety than pre-COVID times. Many refugees or people seeking asylum are now turned away or sent back to the countries they were trying to escape. For those who do escape, they often end up stuck in hazardous and overcrowded camps. The UN refugee agency said that though they identified 1.44 million refugees in need of immediate protection, they were only able to relocate 22,770 in 2020.
Source: Insight Turkey
Government Response:
Many governments are using COVID as an excuse to turn away asylum seekers and refugees. Immigration numbers have taken a large drop, and countries are turning to new ways to support refugees as immigration targets seem impossible to reach. For example, the Canadian government is focussing on providing extra help and resources for immigrants already in the country, in hopes of encouraging them to stay in Canada.
Potential Solutions:
In order to resolve the immigration crisis, there needs to be information and transparency readily available for those who want to immigrate or seek asylum, as well as accessible information within refugee camps. Camps also need to have access to hygiene supplies, COVID tests, and personal space in the overcapacity camps. Countries need to provide new migrants with more assistance and stop forced returns to the countries during the pandemic. Lastly, governments should allow access to complaint, feedback, and justice mechanisms for those hoping to migrate.
Conclusion:
The crisis is daunting, and immigrants and refugees worldwide are struggling amidst the pandemic. It is fight all the governments offer resources and safety to those seeking refuge, whether it be in temporary camps or new homes.
How to Help:
Offer a room to a refugee or asylum seeker: https://www.roomforrefugees.com/
Support refugee and immigrant transitions in your local community. Here is a database of Canadian organizations that may be accepting volunteers: https://ccrweb.ca/en/members
Urge your local government to ensure access to safe housing and COVID testing for new immigrants.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/desa/growth-international-migration-slowed-27-or-2-million-migrants-due-covid-19-says-un
https://rosanjose.iom.int/site/en/blog/what-has-been-done-help-migrants-during-covid-19
Comments