In the context of the implementation of the program SIRIUS-Skills and Integration of Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Applicants in European Labour Markets, in which SolidarityNow participates -as a representative in Greece-, Dominika Spyratou, the organization’s Advocacy Officer, wrote about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on MRAs’ (Migrants, Refugees, Asylum Seekers) labour market integration.

The impact of Covid pandemic and migrant labour in Greece: Sirius SolidarityNow Report

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the lives of millions of people worldwide and augmented the economic and social insecurity that societies -especially their most vulnerable populations- face. In Greece, the pandemic hit the country soon after a decade-long economic crisis that dramatically increased unemployment and poverty and brought its health care system to its knees. MRAs have been hit particularly hard as integration policies are still lacking, difficulties in accessing services persist and racist and xenophobic attitudes by segments of the hosting society are on the rise, often reinforced by the government’s policies and its anti-migration rhetoric.

This report provides an overview of the early impact of Covid-19 on MRAs and the prospects of their integration in Greece based on desk research conducted between March and November 2020, six semi-structured interviews with MRAs and NGO employees conducted in October and November, and fieldwork associated with the author’s professional engagement. Having just entered its second phase, the pandemic’s long-term impact cannot yet be measured. Additional research will be necessary to understand the full effects of the crisis on MRAs’ labour market integration in Greece.

Read the report here.