Protegiendo a las personas trabajadoras migrantes durante la COVID-19

Health workers are not the only ones putting additional efforts into their work in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency. Basic food and grocery services, agriculture, public transport, cleaning companies, many factories and processing plants must continue to work. These essential workers include large numbers of migrants.

IOM and the International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS) initiative have presented a guidance document to help employers and companies make strategic decisions that protect their workers and their business. Some of the recommendations are:

1. In the workplace: Promote working from home arrangements whenever possible, offer personal protective equipment, encourage disinfection of spaces and frequent handwashing, and create space between shifts and workstations to reduce contact between employees are recommended measures for businesses that continue to operate. It is important to take into account the specific needs of migrant workers in their context, including cultural, religious and linguistic differences, among others. For example, make sure that training and posters on new COVID-19 health measures are translated into the language spoken by migrant workers and that they have a suitable environment if working from home.

If employees travel by public transport, they could benefit from flexible schedules that allow them not to travel in rush hour, or special transport provided by the company.

2. Housing: If the company provides accommodation to workers, it must adhere to basic hygiene and distancing measures to deal with the pandemic, as well as separate facilities in case someone needs to be isolated on suspicion of having contracted the virus. Similarly, the situation merits that a good internet connection is provided so that migrants can be in contact with their families.

3. Legal protection: In the current situation, migrant workers are more vulnerable. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that they receive information in their language and in a timely manner, that they have their documents in order and that they can access health services if they need them. In addition, guarantee their rights in the event that you must end labour relations or modify working hours. You must follow the law regarding legal working hours and schedules.

4. Domestic workers: They must be provided with the necessary hygiene measures in their workplace and clear information, especially if any member of the family they work for is ill. In Latin America and the Caribbean, migrant domestic workers represent approximately one fifth of the total number of migrant workers. They should not be deprived of their weekly rest days or vacations. In addition, it must be ensured that they have the digital means to be in contact with their relatives abroad.

It is important that employers consider the specific circumstances and needs of all their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that they know how migrant workers may be affected differently. For a more complete list of guidelines, read the full document here.