Undocumented Domestic Workers and Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Preventive Measures

Frontiers in Communication

Marieke Torensma²  Karien Stronks²  Tesseltje de Lange³  Maria van den Muijsenbergh⁵  Nathalia Skowronek⁶ 

[1] Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands;Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands;Faculty of Law, Centre for Migration Law, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands;Pharos, Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, Netherlands;Runomi Radboud University Network on Migrant Inclusion, Nijmegen, Netherlands;Stichting Fairwork, Amsterdam, Netherlands;

关键词: undocumented;    migrants;    COVID-19;    preventive measures;    structural violence;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fcomm.2022.736148

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This article describes the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures on the undocumented migrant domestic workers in the Netherlands. Undocumented migrants (UDMs) are likely to experience inequalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They rely on the informal market for work and housing and are usually not entitled to a healthcare insurance. However, they are not represented in the COVID-19 registrations or surveys. In order to advise the policymakers and healthcare professionals on how to tailor the preventive activities in handling a pandemic, including vaccination strategy, to the needs of this group, an insight into their experiences is needed. In our qualitative study, two focus group discussions were held with 14 UDMs, recruited through a snowball technique. The UDMs perceived the COVID-19 as a threat. Their precarious position affected their perceived vulnerability, which motivated them to seek information on and comply with preventive measures and testing. However, structural barriers decreased their self-efficacy and opportunity to comply. The COVID-19 measures impacted the lives of UDMs on essential domains, resulting in job, food, and housing insecurity, and increased barriers in access to healthcare. An intersectoral approach addressing health communication, access to healthcare, and social support, as well as legal rights for safe employment, is needed to alleviate the impact of the measures on UDMs.

【 授权许可】

Unknown