Problems of Moldovan Migrants in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The migration process is associated with great health risks. The factors of health vulnerability of migrants are: the complexity of the migration route; poor living and working conditions; limited access to health care; linguistic and cultural barriers when interacting with healthcare providers, etc. The COVID 19 pandemic has created new health vulnerabilities for migrants. The combination of political, legal, economic and socio-cultural factors creates vulnerabilities for migrants and increases the likelihood of: being infected with COVID 19; lack of access to adequate care; the occurrence of serious symptoms; poor psychosocial impact; lack of income and livelihood. The content of this study is based on: analysis of bibliographic sources on the health of migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; secondary analysis of the results of studies of Moldovan migrants abroad; analysis of statistical information on the state of incidence of COVID-19 on the territory of the Republic of Moldova; analysis of publications on the topic of Moldovan migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the media; analysis of comments in online groups of the Moldovan diaspora abroad. The legal status of Moldovan migrants in the country of destination, their field of activity, the type of employment contract concluded, as well as the policy of protecting the countries of destination of migrants have become factors of vulnerability of Moldovan migrants abroad in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. When returning home, Moldovan migrants faced a number of problems and became an object sharp criticism, and stigmatization from their own compatriots. The inability of the country’s leadership to cope with the problems that arose caused a sharp reaction in the ranks of Moldovan citizens abroad and contributed to an unprecedented turnout of the Moldovan diaspora in the presidential elections in November 2020. The victory of the pro-Western candidate Maia Sandu became possible thanks to the support of the diaspora, which made up 1⁄4 of the entire electorate elected president. The study showed that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, international migrants have become a social problem for both receiving countries and donor countries. A timely policy of comprehensive measures to support the health of migrants and their social protection can be a decisive factor in effectively containing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the emergency and social tensions in both receiving countries and countries that are donor migrants.