COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRANT WORKERS WORLDWIDE
Keywords:
COVID-19, Construction Workers, Female Domestic Helps, Migrant Workers, Protection for Migrant Workers, Solidarity, Farm WorkersAbstract
This article examines the impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers worldwide. Given their special working conditions and living environment, migrant workers in different contexts are exposed to more vulnerable situations. Here, first, the general trend of migrant workers under COVID-19 is delineated. Second, the vulnerable situations of three migrant groups, namely the male construction workers, the female domestic helpers, and the farm workers, from different parts of the world are examined in order to illustrate their dilemma and difficulties. Third, ethical and theological reflections are offered. Finally, based on certain researchers and international organization’s observations, some policy responses are suggested.
References
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Bloomberg News, “Singapore’s Coronavirus Curbs are Easing, but not for Migrant Workers Living in Dorms,” South China Morning Post, September 9, 2020.
Gustavo Gutierrez, “Towards A Theology of Liberation,” ed. and trans. Alfred T. Hennelly, Liberation Theology: A Documentary History, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1990, 74.
Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, “Migrant Workers speak to Equal Opportunities Commission: The plight of migrant domestic workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” 17 April 2020. https://en.hkctu.org.hk/content/migrant-workers-speak-equal-opportunities-commission-plight-migrant-domestic-workers-during
Human Rights Watch, “Maldives Covid19 Exposes Abuse of Migrants,” 25 August 2020, https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/25/maldives-covid-19-exposes-abuse-migrants
ILO Monitor, COVID-19 and the World of Work, 7th ed., Geneva: ILO, 2021 January.
International Labour Organization, “Protecting Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” ILO Policy Brief, April 2020. Also see Laura Addati, et al., Care Work and Care Jobs for the Future of Decent Work, Geneva: International Labour Organization, 2018.
International Labour Organization, Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers: Results and Methodology, Geneva: ILO, 2018, ix.John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern, 1988), no. 38; Marie Vianney Bilgrien, Solidarity: A Principle, an Attitude, a Duty? Or the Virtue for an Interdependent World?, New York: Peter Lang, 1999, 106.
L. Guadagno, Migrants and the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Initial Analysis, Geneva: International Organization for Migration, 2020, 28. https://bit.ly/3kwnnPO
Mission for Migrant Workers, “Social Solidarity is Much Needed. Treat Migrant Domestic Workers Fairly and with Respect,” Press Statement, 14 August 2020.
Nadia Lopez, “Essential and Vulnerable: COVID-19 Takes Hard Toll on California’s Migrant Farm Workers,”USA Today, Sept 3, 2020.
Pope Francis, Easter Urbi et Orbi Message 2020, 12 April 2020.http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/papa-francesco_20200412_urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html (accessed 25 April 2020).
Pope Francis, Social Encyclical Fratelli Tutti,no. 38-40, 130.
International Labour Organization, “Protecting Migrant Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” ILO Policy Brief, April 2020; International Labour Organization, “Social Protection for Migrant Workers: A Necessary Response to the COVID-19 Crisis,” ILO Brief, 23 June 2020.
Chen Guang-míng, “Why is the Large-Scale Migrant Dormitory under Singaporean Management Still a Breach in Epidemic Prevention?” Opinion, 27 Apr, 2020. https://opinion.udn.com/opinion/story/11635/4522236
William C. Spohn, Go and Do Likewise: Jesus and Ethics, New York: Continuum, 2000, 90.
Yvette Tan, “Covid-19 Singapore: A ‘Pandemic of Inequality’ Exposed,” BBC News, 17 September.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54082861
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Published
2022-01-01
How to Cite
Yin Yuen, M. M. . (2022). COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRANT WORKERS WORLDWIDE. Asian Horizons, (1), 73–84. Retrieved from https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/ah/article/view/3727
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