Abstract
This article describes the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures on the undocumented migrant domestic workers in the Netherlands. Undocumented migrants (UDMs) are likely to experience inequalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They rely on the informal market for work and housing and are usually not entitled to a healthcare insurance. However, they are not represented in the COVID-19 registrations or surveys. In order to advise the policymakers and healthcare professionals on how to tailor the preventive activities in handling a pandemic, including vaccination strategy, to the needs of this group, an insight into their experiences is needed. In our qualitative study, two focus group discussions were held with 14 UDMs, recruited through a snowball technique. The UDMs perceived the COVID-19 as a threat. Their precarious position affected their perceived vulnerability, which motivated them to seek information on and comply with preventive measures and testing. However, structural barriers decreased their self-efficacy and opportunity to comply. The COVID-19 measures impacted the lives of UDMs on essential domains, resulting in job, food, and housing insecurity, and increased barriers in access to healthcare. An intersectoral approach addressing health communication, access to healthcare, and social support, as well as legal rights for safe employment, is needed to alleviate the impact of the measures on UDMs.
Highlights
Undocumented migrants (UDMs), i.e., migrants residing in a host country without a lawful residence, are acknowledged as one of the most vulnerable groups who suffered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Our results show the need for improving the reach and effectiveness of governmental and public health policies for the group of UDMs
The undocumented migrant domestic workers in this qualitative study perceived the coronavirus as a threat and regarded the preventive measures as effective
Summary
Undocumented migrants (UDMs), i.e., migrants residing in a host country without a lawful residence, are acknowledged as one of the most vulnerable groups who suffered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic In Europe, the number of UDMs is estimated between 3.9 and 4.8 million (Pew Research Center, 2019), while in the Netherlands, about 23,000–58,000, Frontiers in Communication | www.frontiersin.org van den Muijsenbergh et al. BOX 1 | Rights and Living conditions of undocumented migrants (UDMS) domestic workers in the Netherlands. They do remain eligible for healthcare but have to pay the costs themselves as they are excluded from health insurance and education up to the age of 18 years old. In the Netherlands, their work includes cleaning, babysitting, elderly care, gardening, et cetera. They are not insured but they are entitled to:
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