In countries across the world, tens of thousands of migrant workers are finding themselves stranded through travel
restrictions, in the hope of curbing the spread of COVID-19.IOM I OM assisted over 1,300 Nigeriens stranded in Burkina Faso after fleeing clashes in gold mining areas.
The scale of the problem is huge, with roughly 220 countries imposing over 60,000 travel and mobility restrictions. For
many migrant workers, the consequences have been disastrous, as unemployment rises sharply in sectors that traditionally
rely on their labour, such as tourism and construction.IOM-supported humanitarian site in Niamey, Niger, where more than 1,300 Nigeriens are completing their 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. ., by IOM/Monica Chiriac
As visas and work permits expire, the threat of deportation hangs over migrants, who also face rising stigmatization and
xenophobia, homelessness, and detention in overcrowded facilities.
The UN migration agency, IOM, has put together a contemporary snapshot of stranded migrants across 17 countries; from
forced quarantine in Yemen, to dire food shortages in Zimbabwe, and exploitation in Russia.
You can find out more, including the many ways that IOM is trying to help stranded workers, here.