This blog written by Jacqueline Weekers and Michele LeVoy for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) discusses the importance of including all migrants in vaccine plans.
"Some of the hardest to reach and most at risk of being left out are migrants living, working and meaningfully contributing to our societies, particularly those who have irregular residence status. They are our delivery drivers, construction workers, carers, cleaners, nannies, cooks and street vendors, that knit the fabric of our communities. Many once had visas or permits, but fell between the cracks of our immigration systems. They may be adults, children, or older people, and many have lived for years in the country where they may be unable to get official authorization to reside.
For migrants in irregular situations, the pandemic and related lockdown measures have made life infinitely harder and exposed them to new risks, especially if they are homeless or living in cramped, precarious conditions where physical distancing is challenging and access to running water is limited. Some lost their jobs because of the socioeconomic repercussions of the pandemic; others had to keep working – either because they work in essential sectors or because they could not afford to miss a day of income – without adequate protection.
There is strong evidence now that poor families and ethnic and other minorities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and are more likely to have poorer health outcomes. Added to this, living with irregular migration status often means restricted access to health services and information, and poor trust in authorities because of immigration control measures."
Read the full blog here.
