Article (commentary) by Guna Subramaniam. Institute for Human Rights and Business.
July 29, 2020.
As awareness has grown of the extent to which migrant workers are impacted by COVID-19 in the Gulf States and destination countries in Southeast Asia, so too has recognition of another contagion - the persistent prejudice and discrimination these workers face.
Policy and public discussions since the outbreaks have highlighted the fact that migrant workers not only make up the majority of COVID-19 cases in these regions, but also face segregation from society or are viewed as second class citizens from the rest of the population. This comes as no surprise as studies on public attitudes towards migrant workers have already shown. COVID-19 heightens the consequences of not addressing a neglected and stigmatised section of a population. Business and governments can lead the way to improve public attitudes towards migrants.
This is the third piece in a five-part series about the impacts of COVID-19 on migrant workers. Back < Part 2: accommodation. Forward > Part 4: wage theft.
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