What coronavirus looks like at the Bosnian-Croatian frontier for Europe’s unwanted migrants
The COVID-19 global crisis has overlapped with pre-existing conditions of displacement to make what was already an uncomfortable life even less bearable. This is the case for thousands of asylum seekers who have been deported and held back on EU borders.
The Conversation
Fears for worker and food safety mount for Ontario greenhouse under COVID-19 outbreak
47 staff at Greenhill Produce, mostly temporary foreign workers, test positive for COVID-19.
CBC
Desert or Sea: Virus Traps Migrants in Mid-Route Danger Zone
Thousands of desperate migrants are trapped in limbo and even at risk of death without food, water or shelter in scorching deserts and at sea, as governments close off borders and ports amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The New York Times
In Spain's market gardens, migrants left jobless
In southern Spain, migrant workers have long been relied upon to pick crops. But under the current COVID-19 lockdown, many have found themselves jobless and reliant on food from charity groups.
Infomigrants.net
A novel idea: integrating urban and rural safety nets in Africa during the pandemic
In countries across Africa, the public health restrictions imposed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic have thrown many people out of work. Cities face the risk of widespread hunger, with the collapse of urban incomes and disruptions in food supply chains.
The Conversation
Amid food shortage fears, will Italy legalise migrant workers?
Italy considers amnesty for those working in agricultural sector, but experts warn measures might not stop exploitation.
Aljazeera
Pandemic disrupts remittances, leaving immigrants' families without lifelines
For years before the coronavirus hit, Sergio Armas hustled to support his parents back home in Nicaragua. By day, he helped manage a small housekeeping business in San Francisco. At night, he served dinners at a popular Italian restaurant with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pri.org
Immigrant key workers in Europe: The COVID-19 response that comes from abroad
This column describes how migrant workers are playing a critical role in performing basic functions in EU societies hit by the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, low-educated migrants, not just high-skilled ones, are employed in occupations that are key for their host societies, which suggests the need to reconsider, once the crisis has passed, a migration policy debate which is currently almost entirely focused on the importance of attracting high-skilled migrants to the EU.
Voxeu.org
Illegal migrants are more vulnerable in face of COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, thousands of desperate migrants are trapped in limbo and even at risk of death without food, water or shelter, as governments close off borders and ports to limit the spread of the virus.
Venturesafrica.com
Helping migrant workers: From clearing pending wages to providing food, govt must step up vigilance
The economic and social fallout of COVID 19 is huge on these migrant workers. The immediate wage loss and uncertainty painted by the gloomy economic prospects further worsens their situation.
Financial Express
Caught between climate and virus threats, migrants have no safe place to go
Ali Mohammad, a 50-year-old Afghan nomad, lost most of his sheep to a harsh drought in 2018. The following year, his home was destroyed by floods that also killed his son and two daughters.
Reuters
Before coronavirus, Europe lacked empathy for migrants. The pandemic can teach us compassion
This tragedy, and countless others, are exposing not only the enormous suffering that COVID-19 can generate, but also how skewed the building blocks of our society are. Where people carrying out essential work – caring for the elderly or children, building roads, delivering food, picking fruit and stacking shelves – are invariably among the lowest paid, and very often have a migrant background.
Euronews
Coronavirus May Push More Asylum Seekers Towards EU: Agency
The coronavirus lockdown has cut the number of asylum seekers able to reach Europe, but the pandemic could trigger more arrivals in future if it worsens turmoil to the Middle East and North Africa, the European Union asylum agency said.
The New York Times
The Geography of COVID-19 and a Vulnerable Global Food System
With lockdowns constraining the incomes of the poor and supply chain disruptions preventing food from reaching consumers, pandemic-related hunger and malnutrition could eventually take more lives than the disease itself. Understanding the geography of the pandemic and the vulnerability of different food systems is critical for a well-informed response.
Worldpoliticsreview.com
Thousands of undocumented migrants to get Italian work permits
Threatened by food shortages and health risks, Rome gives a six-month amnesty for thousands of undocumented migrants.
Aljazeera