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Abstract

Globally, millions of migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons are among those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions more seasonal and itinerant migrants are similarly affected. Nonetheless, even during the most severe lockdowns, many countries remain dependent on migrants and refugees to do essential work to keep health services, food production, industry, commerce, and other sectors operating. It is argued that effective responses to the coronavirus pandemic, notably those focused on migrants and refugees, must respect rights, be appropriate and proportionate to prevent the spread of COVID, and guarantee the ability of people - and economies - to maintain social, local, and national well-being. However, many policies and actions addressing COVID-19 have been implemented with little or no consideration for migrants and refugees, resulting in health issues, mortality rates, unemployment, COVID prevention, treatment, and mass deportation loss of livelihood for populations.  Following a critical analysis, this research identifies ten themes characterizing an integrated, comprehensive response addressing migrants and refugees. Quick fixes divert resources, while only a set of responses addressing the interrelated issues of health, social protection, employment, community, gender, cross-border mobility, non-discrimination, communication, and recovery can solve challenges posed by the pandemic in this mobile and interdependent world