COVID-19 and Migrant Workers in the Gulf

Abstract

As the global COVID-19 crisis unfolds, the Gulf countries faces an unprecedent challenge of containing the spread of the virus among the non-national residents. Since migrants in Gulf countries live primarily in labour camps or crowded dormitories they are therefore highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines various measures taken by the GCC countries to manage the spread of Coronavirus among migrant workers. In particular, this project aims to explore various challenges to contain the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers and identify various measures taken to prevent the spread and adapt to the changing circumstances in the Gulf countries. This study is based on secondary data published in both Arabic and English media in the national dailies in the Gulf states. This study is a comparative study and I compare the different measures taken by the respective Gulf countries. My initial findings suggest that Qatar has taken up comprehensive testing policy incorporating both migrant workers and nationals. Qatar's approach to the testing of irregular migrant workers at the time of crisis sets an example for the highest level of moral standard for the Gulf and South-East Asia. I have also found that Qatar's migrant worker health system is unparallel in the Global South.