IOM EU OfficeVerified account

Millions of migrants and refugees are at the frontline of the response or play a critical role as essential workers, in particular in the health sector, the formal and informal care economy, and along food supply chains.

Data from over 80 WHO Member States indicate that across countries over a quarter of doctors and a third of dentists and pharmacists are foreign-trained and/or foreign-born. About one in eight of all nurses globally is practicing in a country different from where they were born.

Migrant and refugee workers form a significant percentage of health workers involved in the COVID-19 response in developed countries.

This crisis therefore offers an opportunity to evaluate the positive contributions of people on the move to societies and the critical role of migration in countries of destination more broadly.

We need to value & recognize their contributions to our societies by recognition of their qualifications; ensuring that human mobility remains safe, inclusive & respectful of international human rights and by exploring regularisation pathways for migrants in irregular situations.

Furthermore, by keeping remittances flowing and bringing transaction costs as close to zero as possible, we can help them support their families and communities in their home countries, contributing to our collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.