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3 | 2020-04-21 | Africa | National | Immigration | Mozambique | Mozambique supports returning migrants | Mozambique has contacted and delivered key information to returning migrants in order to stop the spread of Covid-19. The government has proactively provided testing and phone-screening for migrants and the families of migrants. | https://www.iom.int/news/mozambican-workers-returning-south-africa-engaged-check-covid-19s-spread | ||||||||||
4 | 2020-04-07 | Africa | National | Immigration | Tunisia | Tunisia extends visas and offers aid to migrants | Tunisia has extended visas, granted financial and in-kind aid, and asked landlords to postone rent payments for foreigners residing in Tunisia. | https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Society/12550208-call-to-step-up | ||||||||||
5 | 2020-04-13 | Africa | National | Healthcare | Tunisia | Tunisian labour union advocates for migrants | The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGGT), along with MPs and other public figures, has urged the government to allow migrants and refugees access to healthcare. The group has also been supporting migrant workers by collecting and distributing donations. | https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Society/12550208-call-to-step-up | ||||||||||
6 | 2020-03-18 | Asia & Oceania | National | Healthcare | Australia | Australia lifts working restrictions for international nursing students | In Australia, 20,000 student nurses have had restrictions on their working hours lifted in a bid to help the crisis in aged care caused by Covid-19. | https://www.smh.com.au/national/visa-work-restrictions-lifted-on-20-000-international-student-nurses-20200318-p54bfz.html | ||||||||||
7 | 2020-04-04 | Asia & Oceania | National | Food & Agriculture | Australia | Australia extends visas for seasonal migrant workers | Australia has extended the visas of migrant workers on their Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme to ensure that the agricultural sector will ‘get the labour force it needs’. | https://ministers.dese.gov.au/cash/new-visa-support-australian-farmers | ||||||||||
8 | 2020-04-09 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Bahrain | Bahrain announces temporary amnesty for irregular migrants | Bahrain has promised irregular migrants the ability to regularise their residency status until the end of 2020 without being fined. | https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/bahrain-covid-19-labour-law-changes-welcome-but-ngo-calls-on-govt-to-provide-assistance-to-workers | ||||||||||
9 | 2020-03-18 | Asia & Oceania | International | Healthcare | China | China sends doctors and medical supplies to Italy | China has sent 300 intensive-care doctors, Covid-19 test kits, and protective equipment to Italy, responding to an Italian plea for masks in March. China has also sent aid to Spain, Poland, Greece, and the Balkans in a show of ‘coronavirus diplomacy’. | https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-doctors-and-supplies-arrive-in-italy-11584564673 | ||||||||||
10 | 2020-04-19 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Kuwait | Kuwait offers amnesty to undocumented workers | Kuwait has offered amnesty to undocumented workers in the country. Workers are entitled to free airfare, food, and accommodation during a fine-free repatriation and will be eligible to re-enter the Gulf through legal channels in the future. | https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/special-amnesty-undocumented-workers-kuwait-4300-bangladeshis-set-return-1894003 | ||||||||||
11 | 2020-04-02 | Asia & Oceania | National | Food & Agriculture | New Zealand | New Zealand classifies seasonal agricultural employees as ‘essential workers’ | New Zealand has classified seasonal agricultural employees as essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. All recognised seasonal employees have had their visas renewed for a further three months. | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/recognised-seasonal-employers-rse-covid-19-information | ||||||||||
12 | 2020-04-01 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Qatar | Qatar commits to paying salaries for migrant workers affected by Covid-19 | Qatar has announced that quarantined migrant workers, or those undergoing treatment for Covid-19, must receive full salaries. Anyone unable to return home has been given assurances of medical treatment, food, and lodging. | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/qatar-pay-workers-quarantine-full-salaries-200401110548709.html | ||||||||||
13 | 2020-04-14 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | South Korea | South Korea extends visas and halts deportations | South Korea has extended visas for workers by 50 days, providing they reached the country under the Employment Permit System. Nearly 18,500 migrants are benefiting from the decision and have retained the right to residency. | https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/south-korea-extends-visa-of-nepali-migrants/ | ||||||||||
14 | 2020-03-31 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Vietnam | Vietnam explores relaxing entry for high-skilled migrants | Vietnamese government officials have proposed lifting a ban on over 8,400 highly-skilled migrant workers, arguing that it had been ‘difficult to find replacements for them’ internally. | https://en.vietnamplus.vn/labour-ministry-seeks-entry-for-nearly-8500-foreign-experts/171016.vnp | ||||||||||
15 | 2020-03-18 | Asia & Oceania | Regional | Hygiene | Wanning, China | Wanning, China supports unemployed migrant workers | In Wanning, the Chinese government has created temporary roles for migrants to ensure rural poverty reduction targets are met. Public sector jobs including disinfecting and guarding have been created, with transport, health checks, and food provided. | http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/18/c_138892266.htm | ||||||||||
16 | 2020-03-28 | Europe | International | Healthcare | Albania | Albania sends doctors and nurses to Italy | Albania has sent 30 doctors and nurses to Italy’s Lombardy region to assist the response to Covid-19. Lombardy is the worst-hit Italian region in the crisis. | https://www.euronews.com/2020/03/28/albania-sends-30-doctors-and-nurses-to-italy-to-help-fight-the-covid-19-pandemic | ||||||||||
17 | 2020-04-11 | Europe | National | Immigration | Belgium | Belgium allows asylum seekers to work | Belgium has allowed people who have applied for asylum to work throughout their application process and any appeal. | https://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail_moratoire-sur-les-faillites-d-entreprises-defiscalisation-des-heures-sup-voici-les-mesures-prises-par-le-kern-elargi?id=10480563 | ||||||||||
18 | 2020-04-01 | Europe | Local | Food & Agriculture | Campagnano di Roma, Italy | Campagnano di Roma, Italy receives support from migrant cooperative | In Campagnano di Roma, a cooperative of young African migrants called Barikama has been growing, packing, and delivering boxes of fresh food to the local community during the Covid-19 outbreak. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/a-beautiful-thing-the-african-migrants-getting-healthy-food-to-italians | ||||||||||
19 | 2020-04-09 | Europe | International | Immigration | Europe | IOM calls for inclusive, shared approaches for protecting migrants | The International Organisation for Migration has urged all states to uphold their obligation to assist anyone crossing the Mediterranean during the Covid-19 crisis. | https://www.iom.int/news/iom-calls-european-solidarity-and-action-mediterranean-rescue-amid-covid-19?utm_source=IOM%20External%20Mailing%20List&utm_campaign=293dc27d08-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_09_10_51&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9968056566-293dc27d08-43608941 | ||||||||||
20 | 2020-04-14 | Europe | International | Healthcare | Europe | International organisations call for EU member states to include refugee health workers in national Covid-19 responses | The Council of Europe and UNHCR are calling for governments to include refugee health professionals in national responses and are recommending the use of the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees. | https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/4/5e957e9611/council-europe-unhcr-support-member-states-bringing-refugee-health-workers.html | ||||||||||
21 | 2020-03-26 | Europe | National | Healthcare | France | France allows refugees with non-EU medical certifications to practice | France has allowed refugees with non-EU medical qualifications to practice during the Covid-19 response. Refugees whose diplomas have not yet been recognised can practice as an associate, under the responsibility of another doctor. | https://accueil-integration-refugies.fr/2020/04/14/les-refugies-peuvent-contribuer-au-service-public-de-sante/ | ||||||||||
22 | 2020-03-20 | Europe | National | Food & Agriculture | Germany | Germany explores putting asylum seekers to work in agriculture | Germany has explored relaxing employment bans for asylum seekers as a means to fill agricultural shortages. MPs supporting the measure cite government data showing almost 160,000 refugees ready and willing to work. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/freylindsay/2020/03/26/germanys-agriculture-minister-wants-asylum-seekers-to-help-with-coronavirus-labor-shortages/#5544df0a5e18 | ||||||||||
23 | 2020-03-17 | Europe | National | Healthcare | Ireland | Ireland calls for retired doctors living abroad to return | On St Patrick’s Day, Ireland launched a call for retired doctors living abroad to return to aid the Covid-19 response. The country’s ‘Be on call for Ireland’ campaign has received more than 70,000 responses. | https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-healthcare/retired-doctors-medics-abroad-answer-coronavirus-calls-idUSKBN21J5PD | ||||||||||
24 | 2020-03-20 | Europe | National | Healthcare | Ireland | Ireland aims to allow refugees and asylum seekers to register as doctors | The Irish Medical Council has suggested that refugees could provide ‘essential support; to its health service during the Covid-19 crisis and argued that registering foreign nationals was the current priority’. | https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus-refugee-and-asylum-seeker-medics-could-provide-essential-support-1.4208280 | ||||||||||
25 | 2020-04-04 | Europe | National | Healthcare | Ireland | Ireland offers financial and healthcare support for migrants | Ireland has moved to provide Covid-19-related healthcare to all, regardless of immigration status, including testing for Covid-19. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment provides financial assistance for all workers in Ireland, including regular and irregular migrants. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NROg9_YEkRY | ||||||||||
26 | 2020-04-07 | Europe | National | Immigration | Italy | Italy supports childcare for ‘essential workers’ | Italy has offered babysitting vouchers for families with parents in essential work. The subsidy of up to 600 EUR ($689 USD) is available to working asylum seekers and refugees and can be redeemed on care for children under the age of 12. | https://coronavirus.jumamap.com/en/2020/04/07/info-curaitalia/ | ||||||||||
27 | 2020-03-31 | Europe | National | Immigration | Lithuania | Lithuania suspends deportations | Lithuania has suspended deportations of foreigners with expired leave to stay during quarantine. The country has also released migrants from administrative liability for illegal stay. | http://migracija.lrv.lt/en/news/legal-status-of-foreigners-in-the-republic-of-lithuania-during-the-quarantine | ||||||||||
28 | 2020-04-05 | Europe | International | Healthcare | Norway | Norway sends healthcare staff to Italy | Norway has sent a team of 25 doctors, nurses, and logistical staff, to aid Italy’s Covid-19 response. The team is based in Lombardy, Italy’s worst-hit region. | https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-italy-norway/solidarity-in-europe-norway-to-send-team-to-italy-to-help-fight-covid-19-idUKKBN21N0SO | ||||||||||
29 | 2020-03-17 | Europe | Regional | Food & Agriculture | Odemira, Portugal | Odemira, Portugal creates quarantine housing for migrant agricultural workers | Odemira, a municipality in Portugal with a large number of migrant agricultural workers, has set up housing for migrant workers. Large buildings such as sports halls and pavilions have been adapted to accommodate up to 500 workers in order to prevent Covid-19 transmission. | https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/portuguese-municipality-prepares-500-quarantine-places-for-foreign-agricultural-workers | ||||||||||
30 | 2020-03-31 | Europe | National | Immigration | Poland | Poland relaxes visa renewal requirements | Poland has relaxed visa renewal requirements for foreigners during Covid-19. Under new legislation, foreigners are not required to submit any applications to extend their stay, with permits renewed automatically. | https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/news/poland-implements-special-measures-for-residence-permits-during-the-covid-19-pandemic | ||||||||||
31 | 2020-03-27 | Europe | National | Immigration | Portugal | Portugal regularises all migrants and asylum seekers | Portugal has regularised all migrants and asylum seekers, following a government announcement that all migrants with pending residence permit applications have been regularised. | https://www.publico.pt/2020/03/28/sociedade/noticia/governo-regulariza-imigrantes-pedidos-pendentes-sef-1909791 | ||||||||||
32 | 2020-03-17 | Europe | Regional | Healthcare | Saxony, Germany | Saxony, Germany calls for foreign doctors to help during Covid-19 pandemic | The Saxony State Medical Association has published a call on Facebook for German-speaking foreign-qualified doctors who do not yet have licenses. Saxony is known as the heartland of the far-right nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/14/germany-calls-on-migrant-medics-to-help-tackle-coronavirus | ||||||||||
33 | 2020-03-30 | Europe | Regional | Food & Agriculture | Seine-et-Marne, France | Seine-et-Marne, France recruits refugees as seasonal workers | Seine-et-Marne, France, has recruited refugees to fill gaps created by a halt in seasonal worker migration due to Covid-19. Refugees from local migrant and asylum shelters have been recruited to pick ripe strawberries and asparagus, and plant produce to harvest later in the year. | http://www.seine-et-marne.gouv.fr/content/download/42625/319839/file/20200330-CP%20saisonnier%20refugies.pdf | ||||||||||
34 | 2020-03-27 | Europe | National | Healthcare | Spain | Spain recruits migrant doctors and health workers | The Spanish government has hired nearly 200 migrant health professionals living in Spain to join the national health system (SNS) to help combat Covid-19. | https://www.infosalus.com/actualidad/noticia-gobierno-incorpora-cerca-200-profesionales-sanitarios-extranjeros-sistema-nacional-salud-20200327095434.html | ||||||||||
35 | 2020-04-08 | Europe | National | Food & Agriculture | Spain | Spain authorises temporary hiring of new farm workers | Spain has authorised temporarily hiring thousands of migrants and jobless people to address agricultural labour shortages. The unemployed will receive state benefits as well as their wages. | https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/23946/spain-to-hire-foreign-workers-to-cover-agriculture-shortfall | ||||||||||
36 | 2020-04-01 | Europe | Local | Hospitality | Ter Apel, Netherlands | Ter Apel, Netherlands sees asylum seekers volunteering to disinfect grocery carts | In Ter Apel, a village in the Netherlands, asylum seekers have volunteered to disinfect grocery carts, walkers, and keys to protect fellow residents from Covid-19 at a local supermarket. | https://apnews.com/fd69797d6af1479c572b02aa75281bf9 | ||||||||||
37 | 2020-03-28 | Europe | Local | Food & Agriculture | UK | UK farms call to bring migrant agricultural workers to work | 150 fruit and vegetable pickers from Romania have arrived at Stansted Airport in April to work on UK farms. Large farms have warned that fruit and vegetables would ‘run out’ if the UK government failed to provide seasonal migrants in the agricultural sector as the country had entered ‘an unprecedented time’. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/romanian-fruit-pickers-flown-uk-crisis-farming-sector-coronavirus | ||||||||||
38 | 2020-03-31 | Europe | National | Healthcare | UK | UK automatically renews visas for all foreign NHS workers | UK NHS migrant doctors, nurses, paramedics and their families ( whose visas were due to expire before 1 October 2020) have had their visas automatically extended for a year free of charge. Restrictions on the amount of hours student nurses and doctors are allowed to work have also been lifted. | https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-nhs-visa-doctor-nurse-paramedics-home-office-migrants-a9438211.html | ||||||||||
39 | 2020-04-07 | Europe | National | Healthcare | UK | UK MPs campaign for indefinite leave to remain for foreign nationals in the NHS | In the UK, several MPs have been campaigning for foreign nationals working in the NHS to gain the right to remain indefinitely. | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/07/foreign-nationals-nhs-indefinite-leave-remain-coronavirus-covid-19 | ||||||||||
40 | 2020-04-07 | Europe | National | Immigration | UK | UK suspends reporting, registration restrictions, and resettlement for asylum seekers | The UK government has suspended and cancelled all registration, reporting, and resettlement requirements for asylum seekers, and put all voluntary returns, evictions, and statelessness applications on hold. 350 people in detention have also been released during the pandemic, with an urgent call for all detention cases to be reviewed. | https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/latest/news/changes-to-home-office-asylum-resettlement-policy-and-practice-in-response-to-covid-19/ | ||||||||||
41 | 2020-04-15 | Europe | National | Healthcare | UK | UK public calls to fast-track registration of migrant doctors | The UK government has been pressured by the public and MPs to fast-track the registration of qualified doctors from overseas into the NHS. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/covid-19-call-for-fast-track-registration-of-refugee-doctors-in-uk?CMP=share_btn_tw | ||||||||||
42 | 2020-03-20 | Europe | Regional | Immigration | Wallonia, Belgium | Wallonia, Belgium translates Covid-19 information for migrants | SetisW, a social interpretation initiative of the Wallonia region, is translating essential information on Covid-19 into 14 languages. This service helps migrant key workers and newcomers to Belgium to access and understand official safety advice on Covid-19. | https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/intpract/social-interpretation-service-in-belgium-translates-covid-19-information-in-14-languages | ||||||||||
43 | 2020-03-18 | Latin America | Local | Healthcare | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Buenos Aires, Argentina allows migrant doctors to practice | In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Venezuelan doctors have had their requalification licenses fast-tracked to work in local hospitals to allow over 1,000 already-qualified doctors to begin practicing. | https://www.lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/coronavirus-municipios-provincia-buenos-aires-sumaran-medicos-nid2346577 | ||||||||||
44 | 2020-04-11 | Latin America | National | Healthcare | Chile | Chile suspends requalification requirement for migrant doctors | Chile has suspended their requirement for migrant doctors to requalify in an effort to equip their healthcare system for ‘caseloads on a European scale’. | https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2020/04/11/latin-americas-health-systems-brace-for-a-battering | ||||||||||
45 | 2020-04-01 | Latin America | Local | Healthcare | Colombia | Colombian NGO provides mental health support for migrants | In Colombia, a non-profit run by Venezuelan migrants has begun providing support and advice to migrants affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, recognising the emotional and physical strain placed on many people and communities. | http://colombiasinfronteras.com/atencion-psicoemocional-para-migrantes-en-tiempos-de-covid-19/ | ||||||||||
46 | 2020-04-03 | Latin America | National | Healthcare | Colombia | Colombia allows Venezuelan migrant workers to access healthcare | Colombia has allowed Venezuelan migrants to access healthcare during the Covid-19 crisis. The country vowed to continue its attention to the vulnerable migrant population and ensure they were prioritised for access to essential services and can fulfill their basic needs. | http://colombiasinfronteras.com/el-gobierno-y-las-medidas-para-atender-a-los-migrantes-durante-crisis-del-covid-19/ | ||||||||||
47 | 2020-03-22 | Latin America | International | Healthcare | Cuba | Cuba sends doctors to Italy | Cuban doctors have been sent to Italy to help fight Covid-19 in one of the worst affected areas of the country, Lombardy. | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/cuban-doctors-head-italy-fight-coronavirus-200322135301675.html | ||||||||||
48 | 2020-04-14 | Latin America | National | Healthcare | Peru | Peru recruits foreign health professionals | The Peruvian government has called for foreign-trained doctors and nurses to help their country in the fight against Covid-19. | https://twitter.com/Minsa_Peru/status/1249855633198911491 | ||||||||||
49 | 2020-04-15 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | British Columbia, Canada | British Columbia, Canada registers international medical graduates as associate physicians | The British Columbian College of Physicians and Surgeons has licensed thousands of international medical graduates as associate physicians in efforts to combat Covid-19. | https://www.cpsbc.ca/about-us/laws-legislation/bylaw-amendments | ||||||||||
50 | 2020-04-15 | North America | Regional | Immigration | California, USA | California, USA announces financial support for irregular migrants | California is the first US state to give cash stimulus payments to irregular migrants, offering $500 USD to 150,000 adults left out of the $2.2 trillion USD stimulus package approved by Congress. | https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/us/coronavirus-undocumented-california.html, New York Times | ||||||||||
51 | 2020-03-19 | North America | National | Healthcare | Canada | Canadian healthcare sector calls for access to healthcare for new migrants | Canadian doctors, nurses and activists have called on provincial governments to give immediate access to free healthcare for all newcomers during the Covid-19 pandemic.Typically, new arrivals in Canada have to wait at least three months to access provincial health coverage. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-provinces-urged-to-scrap-wait-period-for-newcomers-to-access-public/ | ||||||||||
52 | 2020-03-23 | North America | National | Food & Agriculture | Canada | Canada exempts temporary migrant workers from travel restrictions | Canada has put in place an exemption to the international travel ban by enabling temporary migrant workers to travel to Canada to work in the seafood and agri-food sectors. | https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/canada/temporary-foreign-workers-will-be-allowed-into-canada-428460/ | ||||||||||
53 | 2020-04-13 | North America | National | Food & Agriculture | Canada | Canada supports employers’ quarantine measures for workers | Canada has given employers $1,500 CAD ($1,100 USD) per worker to help with quarantine measures, acknowledging that the labour shortage depends on foreign temporary workers. | https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/04/13/federal-officials-to-provide-an-update-on-measures-for-seniors-home-care-and-temporary-foreign-workers-pope-francis-prays-for-countries-struggling-with-covid-19.html | ||||||||||
54 | 2020-04-09 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Massachusetts, USA | Massachusetts, USA allows foreign doctors to practice medicine | Massachusetts has allowed doctors, nurses, and students qualified abroad to practice medicine in an effort to staff two 1,250-bed convention field hospitals. | https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/04/09/baker-cuts-red-tape-to-allow-foreign-doctors-nursing-students-to-practice-on-front-lines-of-pandemic/ | ||||||||||
55 | 2020-04-04 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Nevada, USA | Nevada, USA waives licensing requirements for foreign medical workers | Nevada has waived all licensing requirements for healthcare professionals and administrators qualified abroad. The state has called on those currently unable to practice due to restrictions to join the statewide battle against Covid-19. | https://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Battle-Born-Medical-Corps-Release-and-Volunteer-Registration-Process.pdf | ||||||||||
56 | 2020-04-01 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | New Jersey, USA | New Jersey, USA waives licensing requirements for foreign doctors | In New Jersey restrictions on healthcare professionals have been lifted, enabling recently retired physicians to help with the Covid-19 response and granting temporary licenses to those who have qualified in other countries. | https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20200401b.shtml | ||||||||||
57 | 2020-03-23 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | New York, USA | New York, USA waives licensing requirements for migrant healthcare workers | In New York restrictions on healthcare professionals have been lifted, granting temporary licenses to those who have qualified in other countries. | https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20210-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency | ||||||||||
58 | 2020-03-19 | North America | National | Food & Agriculture | USA | US classifies agricultural and healthcare workers as ‘essential workers’ | The US Department of Homeland Security has officially categorised ‘essential workers’, including those in the agriculture, medical and healthcare, and construction industries. Government advice emphasises that these industries are needed to ensure infrastructure resilience and should be considered when implementing state-level Covid-19 restrictions. | https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf | ||||||||||
59 | 2020-03-26 | North America | National | Healthcare | USA | US recruits medical professionals on work or exchange visas | The USA has continued to provide emergency visas to medical professionals on a work or exchange visa programme. All migrant medics already residents in the US have had their programmes and visa conditions extended to help the country-wide Covid-19 response. | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-h-and-j-visas-for-medical-professionals.html | ||||||||||
60 | 2020-04-03 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | USA | US states petition to allow migrants access to healthcare | The states of New York, Connecticut, and Vermont have petitioned the US Supreme Court to allow migrants access to healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic. The petition calls to block a regulation penalising migrants for seeking access to healthcare and social assistance. | https://www.wsj.com/articles/states-new-york-city-seek-block-on-rules-that-penalize-immigrants-for-applying-for-public-benefits-11586822238 | ||||||||||
61 | 2020-04-21 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | India | India considers portable benefits for migrants | India considers portable benefits to migrants, irrespective of their state of residence, by making use of World Bank funding. | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/428451587390154689/pdf/Potential-Responses-to-the-Covid-19-Outbreak-in-Support-of-Migrant-Workers-April-21-2020.pdf | ||||||||||
62 | 2020-04-16 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Japan | Japan makes all residents eligible for cash assistance | Japan has announced that its cash assistance in response to Covid-19 will be distributed irrespective of nationality. Everyone who has resided in Japan for at least three months and is registered as a basic resident as of the end of April 2020, is eligible for this assistance. | https://metropolisjapan.com/covid-19-financial-relief/ | ||||||||||
63 | 2020-04-18 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Russia | Russia eases migrant registration requirements | Russia has exempted migrant workers from the requirement to buy work permits to legally work and live in Russia from 15 March - 15 June. | http://kremlin.ru/acts/news/63216 | ||||||||||
64 | 2020-04-22 | Asia & Oceania | Regional | Immigration | Tasmania, Australia | Tasmania, Australia extends aid to temporary workers | The Australian region of Tasmania has announced that temporary visa holders who are able to demonstrate immediate financial hardship will be eligible for $250 AUD ($175 USD) for individuals, and $1,000 AUD ($700 USD) for families | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/financial-hardship-package-for-temporary-visa-holders/12171546 | ||||||||||
65 | 2020-03-16 | Europe | National | Healthcare | Spain | Spain allows migrant doctors to practice | The Spanish government has allowed more than 2,000 Venezuelan doctors awaiting their credential evaluation to practice medicine. | https://www.elnacional.com/mundo/espana-abre-la-puerta-a-mas-de-2-000-medicos-venezolanos-para-la-lucha-contra-el-coronavirus/ | ||||||||||
66 | 2020-04-16 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Colorado, USA | Colorado, USA waives licensing requirements for foreign medical workers | The Colorado state governor has waived licensing requirements for medical workers licensed in other states and other countries. | https://www.colorado.gov/governor/sites/default/files/inline-files/D%202020%20038%20Medical%20Surge.pdf | ||||||||||
67 | 2020-03-18 | North America | National | Immigration | Canada | Canada halts deportations in face of Covid-19 | The Canadian Border Security Agency has halted deportations and the Immigration and Refugee Board has cancelled and postponed all in-person hearings. | https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cbsa-refugees-immigrants-deportations-1.5501334 | ||||||||||
68 | 2020-04-07 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Ontario, Canada | Ontario, Canada creates portal to match non-active healthcare professionals with employers | The province of Ontario has launched the Health Workforce Matching Portal to match non-active health care professionals, including those internationally-educated, with employers. However, licensing requirements have not been eased for internationally-educated healthcare professionals. | https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-asks-anyone-with-medical-background-to-step-forward-to-fight-covid-19-1.4885936 | ||||||||||
69 | 2020-03-18 | North America | National | Immigration | Canada | Canada provides aid to all residents, including migrants and international students | Canada has announced $27 billion CAD ($20 billion USD) in state aid, including $450 CAD ($350 USD) per week for people that have lost their jobs or facing reduced hours due to Covid-19. Migrants and international students are eligible for this payout. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-unveils-82-billion-in-aid-tax-deferrals-for-coronavirus/ | ||||||||||
70 | 2020-04-13 | North America | National | Immigration | USA | US politicians lobby to extend employment authorisation for migrants during Covid-19 | US congress members have sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to automatically extend employment authorisation for all migrants whose employment authorisation documents (EADs) are about to expire. | https://bass.house.gov/sites/bass.house.gov/files/4.13.20%20DHS%20AUTO%20RENEW%20EAD.pdf | ||||||||||
71 | 2020-04-16 | North America | National | Immigration | Canada | Canadian advocacy group calls to include undocumented migrants in Canadian government benefits | Canada's Migrant Rights Network has called to include undocumented migrant workers and those with expired social insurance numbers in government benefit schemes. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-advocacy-group-says-undocumented-migrants-need-access-to-canadian/ | ||||||||||
72 | 2020-04-02 | North America | National | Immigration | Canada | Canadian NGOs call for a reopening of the Canadian border | The Canadian Council for Refugees, Amnesty International Canada, Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and BC Civil Liberties Association have argued that the closure of the border to refugees is unnecessary and unjustified. They argue that it endangers both refugees and public health. | https://ccrweb.ca/en/media/call-border-be-reopened-refugees-02-04-2020 | ||||||||||
73 | 2020-04-29 | Asia & Oceania | Local | Healthcare | Turkey | Turkish refugees make masks for key workers | Refugee volunteers in Turkish Red Crescent community centres across the country have produced protective masks for health workers and people in need. The community centres have been traditionally used for vocational training for refugees and host communities, but are now being used to produce more than 500,000 sterilised masks a month. | http://kizilaytoplummerkezleri.org/en/announcements/turkish-red-crescent-community-centers-produce-masks-against-coronavirus | ||||||||||
74 | 2020-04-17 | Europe | Regional | Healthcare | England, UK | England, UK allows international medical graduates to practice as medical support workers | An NHS England scheme has allowed international medical graduates and doctors to fast-track their accreditation and become medical support workers. | https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/17/refugees-among-hundreds-of-overseas-medics-to-respond-to-nhs-call | ||||||||||
75 | 2020-05-03 | Europe | National | Healthcare | UK | UK healthcare professionals push the government to eliminate 'hostile environment' healthcare surcharge | UK Doctors, nurses, and carers have pressured the government to remove the £625 ($800) NHS surcharge that migrants must pay for themselves and each family member. This surcharge was introduced with "hostile environment" legislation meant to discourage illegal migration and health tourism. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/may/03/calls-grow-scrap-nhs-surcharge-migrant-healthcare-workers-coronavirus | ||||||||||
76 | 2020-03-13 | Asia & Oceania | Regional | Immigration | Wuhan, China | Wuhan, China gives cash assistance to migrants | The Chinese province of Wuhan has provided temporary assistance to the quarantined migrant population, with each individual given 3,000 CNY ($430 USD). As of 13 March, the measure had supported almost 6,000 people, with a total cost of around 16.1 million CNY ($2.25 million USD). | http://www.ugogentilini.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/global-review-of-social-protection-responses-to-Covid-19-2.pdf | ||||||||||
77 | 2020-03-30 | Latin America | National | Immigration | Brazil | Brazil provides monthly emergency fund to informal workers | Brazil has provided monthly emergency aid of 600 BRL ($116 USD) to informal workers, this measure extended over the course of three months. In order to identify and reach informal workers, Brazil is using existing platforms, and introducing new mechanisms for registration. | https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/brazil-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html | ||||||||||
78 | 2020-04-25 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Myanmar | Myanmar repatriates migrant workers from abroad | Myanmar has organised relief flights for Myanmar migrants stranded in Thailand. Once in their home countries, returned migrant workers were transported to their communities of origin where stayed in community-based facility quarantine centres. | https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/iom-myanmar-covid-19-response-situation-report-3-1-may-2020 | ||||||||||
79 | 2020-03-19 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Uzbekistan | Uzbekistan provides training for migrant workers | Uzbekistan has made migrant workers eligible for language and vocational training paid for by the Covid-19 anti-crisis fund. | https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2020/march/25/key-actions-for-covid19-prevention-in-uzbekistan | ||||||||||
80 | 2020-03-25 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Philippines | The Philippines sends cash assistance to Filipinos working abroad | The Philippine's Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided 10,000 PHP ($200 USD) in cash assistance per Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) whose work has been affected by Covid-19. | https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097814 | ||||||||||
81 | 2020-04-17 | Africa | National | Immigration | South Africa | South Africa extends visas for migrant workers | South Africa has automatically extended temporary residence visas expiring 15 February or later. Migrants with expired visas will not be declared 'undocumented,' and will not be penalised if they return in the future. | https://taj-strategie.fr/south-africa-covid-19-immigration-update | ||||||||||
82 | 2020-04-02 | Europe | National | Food & Agriculture | Germany | Germany allows seasonal farm workers to enter the country | The German government has exempted Eastern European seasonal farm workers from border restrictions. This measure allows up to 40,000 seasonal farm workers to enter Germany in April, and another 40,000 workers to enter in May. Among other requirements, seasonal workers will undergo a medical check upon entering the country. | https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/germany-lift-border-controls-imposed-virus-harvests-200402225621515.html | ||||||||||
83 | 2020-05-05 | Africa | National | Healthcare | The Gambia | The Gambia creates a cash-for-work programme for returning migrants creating PPE | In The Gambia the IOM has supported the reintegration of returning migrants, mainstreaming COVID-related activities into existing initiatives. As part of reintegration assistance migrants are participating in a cash-for-work initiative producing personal protective equipment (PPE). | https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/coronavirus/gambian-returnees-produce-protective-equipment-covid-19-frontline-border-officials | ||||||||||
84 | 2022-01-13 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Chihuahua, Mexico | Chihuahua, Mexico enlists migrant medical professionals to support the Covid-19 response | The State of Chihuahua, Mexico, has invited Central American health professionals to work. These migrants are stuck in Juarez due to the Migrant Protection Protocols programme, which requires would-be American migrants to await their asylum decision in Mexico. | https://www.borderreport.com/health/forced-to-wait-in-mexico-migrant-medical-professionals-become-asset-in-fight-against-covid-19/ | ||||||||||
85 | 2020-05-11 | North America | National | Immigration | Canada | Canada requires employers to pay migrant workers during their mandatory 14-day quarantine | Canada has announced that, under the new International Mobility Program, employers must allow workers to complete 14 days of quarantine upon arriving in Canada. This new rule requires employers to pay migrant workers during this period, even if they are unable to work. | https://www.immigration.ca/canadian-employers-must-pay-mandatory-14-day-quarantine-when-hiring-temporary-foreign-workers | ||||||||||
86 | 2020-04-23 | Latin America | National | Immigration | Peru | Peru regularises migrants during Covid-19 pandemic | Peru has classified all migrants awaiting regularisation as regular during the Covid-19 pandemic. Temporary Stay Permits will also be automatically renewed. | |||||||||||
87 | 2020-05-12 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Bahrain | Bahrain mandates a higher standard of accommodation for migrant workers | Bahrain has made private sector employers responsible for raising the standard of accommodations for migrant workers. This included reducing the number of workers per room, increased sanitation facilities, building isolation facilities, and regular inspections. | https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/33625 | ||||||||||
88 | 2020-05-13 | Europe | National | Food & Agriculture | Italy | Italy temporarily regularises undocumented migrants in the agriculture, domestic work and social care sectors | Italy has announced that thousands of undocumented migrants will be allowed to apply to temporarily stay and work under an amnesty announced as part of a major stimulus package, agreed after weeks of government negotiations. New residency permits will be valid for six months, with a focus on agriculture, domestic work and social care. | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/thousands-undocumented-migrants-italian-work-permits-200513181704599.html | ||||||||||
89 | 2020-05-11 | Europe | Regional | Healthcare | Bavaria, Germany | Bavaria, Germany calls for foreign doctors to help during Covid-19 pandemic | The state of Bavaria has called for aid from foreign doctors who do not yet have licenses, these doctors would be allowed to practice under the supervision of German-licensed physicians. | https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/how-immigration-strengthens-the-german-healthcare-system/ | ||||||||||
90 | 2020-05-11 | Europe | Regional | Healthcare | North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany | North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany calls for foreign doctors to help during Covid-19 pandemic | The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has called for aid from foreign doctors who do not yet have licenses, these doctors would be allowed to practice under the supervision of German-licensed physicians. | https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/how-immigration-strengthens-the-german-healthcare-system/ | ||||||||||
91 | 2020-04-30 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Qatar | Qatar requires employers to provide for migrant employees | Qatar has put in place several measures to protect migrant workers. Measures include requiring both worker and employer consent for changes to salary and unpaid leave, and employer responsibility for housing and feeding employees after ended contracts, until workers can be repatriated, at the employer's expense. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/19/qatar-is-protecting-migrant-workers-during-the-coronavirus-epidemic?CMP=fb_cif | ||||||||||
92 | 2020-04-27 | Asia & Oceania | Local | Healthcare | Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh | Cox's Bazar sees refugee volunteers distribute healthcare packages in refugee camp in Bangladesh | Rohingya refugee volunteers in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar camp, the world's largest refugee camp, have put together and delivered packages of medical supplies, including masks, gloves, soaps, and medicines. | https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/covid-coronavirus-rohingya-coxs-bazar-bangladesh/ | ||||||||||
93 | 2020-05-18 | North America | Regional | Healthcare | Quebec, Canada | Quebec, Canada sees asylum seekers volunteer to help in social care | In Montreal, asylum seekers are among those who have volunteered to work at long-term care homes. The majority of asylum seekers living in Montreal North work in food production, healthcare, and security. | https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2020/05/18/asylum-seekers-on-front-line-of-quebecs-covid-19-battle-in-care-homes/ | ||||||||||
94 | 2020-05-18 | Europe | Local | Food & Agriculture | Bavaria, Germany | German farmers fly in seasonal agricultural workers | German farmers have chartered flights to bring in seasonal farm workers from Romania and Bulgaria. Farmers must register workers with local authorities, develope a hygiene plan, and house workers in a socially-distanced manner. | https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/world/europe/coronavirus-german-farms-migrant-workers-airlift.html?smid=tw-share | ||||||||||
95 | 2020-05-15 | North America | National | Food & Agriculture | Canada | Canada launches agri-food immigration pilot | Canada has announced its new Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, a three-year pilot targeting labor shortages exacerbated by Covid-19, in the meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse crop, and livestock raising industries. The AFIP primarily provides a pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers already in Canada. Under the AFIP, 2,750 applications will be accepted annually. | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-immigration-pilot.html | ||||||||||
96 | 2020-04-09 | North America | Local | Hospitality | Washington, DC, USA | Washington, DC events group provides relief funding for irregular migrants | A Washington, DC, USA company, Events D.C., has developed a $18 million USD hospitality and tourism relief fund. $5 million USD is dedicated to aid undocumented migrants, who have been especially impacted by lockdown measures. | https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2020/04/09/events-d-c-approves-18m-in-coronavirus-relief.html | ||||||||||
97 | 2020-05-21 | Europe | National | Healthcare | UK | UK scraps National Health Service surcharge for migrant healthcare workers | The UK has committed to exempting migrant National Health Service and care workers from the current healthcare surcharge of £400 GBP ($500 USD) (set to increase to £624 GBP ($800 USD) in October 2020). This surcharge is applied to migrants moving to the UK from outside the European Economic Area. | https://www.euronews.com/2020/05/21/uk-increase-of-healthcare-surcharge-for-foreign-workers-deemed-cruel-as-pm-refuses-to-waiv | ||||||||||
98 | 2020-05-26 | Asia & Oceania | National | Immigration | Uzbekistan | Uzbekistan provides resources and support to returning migrants | Uzbekistan has implemented the Safe Migration in Central Asia project (in-part funded by USAID) to aid returning migrants through informational resources; referrals to essential services; alternative livelihood support; and skills training. | https://uz.usembassy.gov/usaid-commits-2-million-to-address-the-needs-of-central-asian-migrants-impacted-by-the-covid-19-pandemic/ | ||||||||||
99 | 2020-05-06 | Europe | National | Food & Agriculture | Finland | Finland welcomes non-EU agricultural workers and allows asylum seekers to work | Finland has increased the quota of agricultural workers admitted to the country from outside the European Union (EU) from 1,500 to 3,000. The government also announced plans to amend the Aliens Act (until 31 October 2020) to allow asylum seekers to take up agricultural work without administrative delays. | https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/article/-/asset_publisher/10616/hallitus-linjasi-kausityovoiman-saatavuuden-turvaamisesta | ||||||||||
100 | 2020-05-12 | Asia & Oceania | Local | Immigration | Kuwait | Kuwaiti organisations coordinate to provide support to migrant workers | The ILO, the International Domestic Workers' Federation, and local civil society organisation, Sandigan Kuwait, have supported migrant workers in the country. Through bi-weekly virtual meetings with migrant worker community representatives, the organisations ensure that food, information, and health care (including mental health) are reaching migrant communities. | https://www.shareweb.ch/site/Migration/partnership-migrant-workers-covid-19 |