COVID-19, Irregular Migration and Asymmetrical Dependency

This study explores the process of irregular migration that drives people to opt for illegal channels to migrate. The study further examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic vulnerabilities of irregular migrant workers. We find that due to COVID-19, irregular migrants suffered job losses, with only a few cases of job restoration. Their predicament is compounded given their questionable legal status, economic vulnerabilities, the stance of governments of the host and origin countries, vulnerability to poverty, and resort only to social capital as social security. We suggest that the governments should intervene to facilitate irregular migrants during pandemics.