COVID-19 and Migrants in the GCC states: Challenges, responses and key lessons

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, the GCC countries face an unprecedented challenge of controlling the spiralling COVID-19 cases. The challenge has become even more formidable in containing the virus among non-national populations, mainly migrant workers. This study explores the patterns of COVID-19 infections, identifies the challenges that the GCC states have encountered, and finally reviews the respective Gulf governments' responses to flatten the curve and limit the infection rates. The study reports that the GCC countries have been relatively successful in containing the pandemic due to Gulf governments' significant and proactive measures. This paper suggests that there is a need for developing a long- term strategy to manage such pandemics in the GCC states in near future.