Migrant Protection and Assistance during COVID-19: Promising Practices

COVID-19 has posed significant challenges for IOM, affecting the provision of much needed support to migrants and governments alike. It has been particularly challenging for the Organization’s migrant protection and assistance work, where most of the programming involves direct access to migrants, including those in vulnerable situations. Impacts have been felt across various types of activities including provision of direct assistance to migrants, addressing the protection needs of the most vulnerable and increased vulnerabilities because of the pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn and travel restrictions.

Amidst the travel restrictions, lockdowns and various other containment measures, IOM quickly adapted – both in work modalities and in delivering services and assistance to migrants including virtual counselling and referrals.  This report highlights some of the main challenges that were faced since the beginning of the pandemic and some of the key innovative solutions that have been employed. These measures not only allowed IOM and its partners to continue to work and respond to the pandemic but have also equipped the Organization with initiatives that can be further developed and improved, as IOM, like the rest of the world adjusts to the new ‘normal’.

The report will delve into the specific challenges and solutions on the following areas of work:
1. Assistance to Migrants in Vulnerable Situations; 2. Counter-trafficking; 3. Return; 4. Reintegration; 5. Stranded Migrants and 6. Assessments and Data Collection. An additional topic of cash-based initiatives will be covered in detail, as one of the most effective and innovative solutions.