COVID-19 can impact geopolitical discourse on migration

Millions of migrants have been stranded all over the world as the Coronavirus pandemic spread throughout the countries. Amidst these developments, addressing the plight of migrants has become a critical topic in the geopolitical discourse. Globally, the COVID-19 crisis has altered a number of factors dominating the discussion on migration and mobility.

Notably, catastrophic events such as war, famine, drought, etc have been affecting the movement of migrants in the world over several decades. Some of these people leave their home countries in search of better living opportunities, others are displaced due to unprecedented conditions such as climate change and border conflicts. However, when Coronavirus pandemic has paralyzed public healthcare systems and administrations globally, migrants are more vulnerable to the disease than ever due to the lack of basic facilities such as sanitation and housing infrastructure.

An estimated 272 million international migrants, which is approximately 3.5% of the world’s population, are at risk of fatal infections during this crucial time. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, India has emerged to be the main origin of international migrants, with 17.5 million Indian-born people are currently living in several parts of the world. Mexico and China both have more than 10 million former residents spread around the world, with the United States continuing to be the primary destination for these migrants looking for a better standard of life. In countries such as Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and parts of Africa among others have people displaced due to internal conflicts. 

Governments are taking necessary steps including worldwide lockdown to curb the surging COVID-19 infections and to protect their hard-hit populations. Attempting to manage the outbreak, many governments have modified their public policies on migration. In a major move, Portugal temporarily gave citizenship rights to migrants and asylum seekers such that they can access the country's healthcare facilities against virus infections. Some other regions such as Belgium released asylum seekers from detention centers and extended residential permits to migrants. Administrations have announced financial aid and relief packages for their country's poor and displaced.

It is also important to note that in this global fight against the pandemic, there are thousands of migrants across these nations who are working at the forefront as doctors, nurses, sanitation workers among other essential workers. As they work tirelessly in the battle, many of these migrant frontline workers are suffering from the infection, while some have lost their lives due to the disease.

Significantly, the crises of migration will continue to worry in the post-Corona world. However, COVID-19 will still leave its salient imprints, making the authorities to rethink their policies for the greater good of the displaced.

KEYWORDS: Migrants, World Governments, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Migration, essential workers