Sanjana N (IBM 2017)
Barely into the dawn of a new decade, the
entire world seems to be on its knees. The rapid outbreak of the SARS-CoV-19
virus responsible for the lethal COVID-19 disease has brought the economies of
the world to a standstill. The streets of towns, villages and usually bustling
metropolises have been rendered empty and lockdowns have been placed,
preventing traveling of any kind. Among the many sectors of the economy
affected, only few come close to the losses incurred by the transport and
tourism sectors. The effect of the SARS-CoV-19 outbreak on national and
international migration is adverse.
Hundreds of countries have now enforced
travel restrictions and border shutdowns as a result of the coronavirus,
thereby having an unparalleled effect on mobility. As of March 23, at least 174
countries, territories, or areas implemented new or modified existing
restrictions on travel related to COVID-19, according to the United
Nations Migration Agency[1]. Prohibitions will
probably continue for months, at least until the curve is flattened.
There is growing evidence that constraints
on safe, organized and routine migration are driving the poor — up to 100
million worldwide[3]
— into murky irregular pathways. COVID-19 means that there are less standard
means of migration than was the case a few months earlier. In such a situation,
those who feel obligated to travel will gradually employ smugglers, traffickers
and other illegal groups to do so. Migration is expected to increase in and
within developing countries with weaker health systems and rule of law.
The irregular migrants will travel with other citizens in close quarters. They
can cross international borders without health checks or
required documentation.
According to one estimate, migrants
contribute nearly 10% of global GDP[4].
Now, every migrant worker all over the world is potentially
impacted by a dramatic tightening of borders. Due to the current global economic downturn, remittance
flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are estimated to decline from
$554 billion in 2019 by around 20 per cent to $445 billion[5]. Around the world, more so in developing and underdeveloped countries, migrant remittances provide poor households with a much needed financial support and a decrease in remittance flows will increase poverty and reduce access
of households to much-needed health services.
While countries respond to the COVID-19
crisis, there is strong argument in favour of supporting the workforce of
migrants, which is crucial to many economies. Governments must consider
multiple levels interventions. The long term policies should not only encourage
online remittance systems but also should extend support to reduce the
costs of remittances, which remain too high for some of the poorest regions.
[1] DTM (COVID-19): Global
mobility restriction overview - 19 March, 2020 - World. (2020, March 19).
Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://reliefweb.int/report/world/dtm-covid-19-global-mobility-restriction-overview-19-march-2020
[2] Bangladesh: Cox's
Bazar: Rohingya Population density by camp in Ukhia as of 30 April 2019 -
Bangladesh. (2019, May 22). Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://reliefweb.int/map/bangladesh/bangladesh-coxs-bazar-rohingya-population-density-camp-ukhia-30-april-2019
[3] Yayboke, E. (2020,
April 20). Out of the Shadows: Shining a Light on Irregular Migration.
Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.csis.org/analysis/out-shadows-shining-light-irregular-migration
[4] Woetzel, J.,
Madgavkar, A., Manyika, J., & Elmasry, T. (2016, November). Global
migration's impact and opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/employment-and-growth/global-migrations-impact-and-opportunity
[5] Ratha, D. (2020, April
23). COVID-19 through a migration lens: policy responses should be inclusive of
migrants. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://blogs.worldbank.org/peoplemove/covid-19-through-migration-lens-policy-responses-should-be-inclusive-migrants
