Abhatoo - Centre Nationale de Documentation

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic related mobility restrictions, figures suggested that the pandemic was insufficient to dissuade people from migrating. However, it exposed them to increased risks of abuse and exploitation - their illegal status limiting their ability to seek assistance from local authorities or NGOs. Mobility issues (1), as well as legal and/or administrative barriers (2) prevented them from accessing government support, to find a job, and exposed them to poverty, discrimination, and health risks associated with overcrowding settings and lack/limited access to healthcare and basic services. In response, authorities and civil society actors in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco developed and implemented protection policies and measures often inclusive of or targeted at migrants to ensure their temporary access to health care and essential services, as well as to allow them to seldomly benefit from temporary social protection measures, among other initiatives. The pandemic presented therefore an opportunity to develop innovative responses and policies to better protect and support migrants in times of crisis.
This report explores the "good and innovative" protection practices and policies implemented in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia during the pandemic. Through a combination of desk reviews and interviews with key informants, the “Mapping of Good and Innovative Protection Policies and Practices for Migrants, and Lessons Learned During Covid-19 Pandemic in North Africa” provides a comprehensive overview of practical and actionable protection policies and measures introduced by governments and humanitarian actors to address migrants' needs during the pandemic in the four targeted countries.
Although the COVID-19 crisis did not result in major changes to protection policies in North Africa, it did prompt an increased level of temporary inclusion of migrants. These efforts aligned closely with the principles outlined in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) to promoting safe and orderly migration, while protecting the vulnerable migrant population during times of crisis. As outlined in section 3 of the report, these initiatives fall under the six key thematic areas covered by the UN framework for immediate socio-economic response to COVID-191 . It comprises health (A), social protection and access to basic services (B), economic response and recovery (C), social cohesion and community resilience (D), mobility2 * (E). multilateral collaboration (F). A common thread running through these interventions is the focus on making protection measures and policies more accessible to migrants, whether through expansion, adaptation, or the development of new measures specifically targeting this vulnerable group.
During a “Regional Response to Covid-19 in North African Countries : Protecting Vulnerable Groups" workshop organized by IOM ROMENA office and organized in Cairo, experts from Egyptian, Tunisian, and Moroccan authorities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations gathered and exchanged on effective protection practices and policies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect vulnerable migrants. Through extensive deliberations and joint efforts, these experts identified several critical cross-cutting lessons, which ultimately culminated in the formulation of key recommendations.
One of the central lessons underscored the critical importance of authorities in formulating comprehensive and inclusive legislative frameworks that guarantee migrants' fundamental rights and equitable access to a range of social protection services, encompassing vital aspects such as healthcare and economic recovery measures.
Additionally, the group of experts emphasized the significance of developing adaptable emergency response plans, allowing for timely adjustments considering evolving circumstances and latest information. Moreover, the experts highlighted the importance of flexible resource allocation to effectively target areas with the greatest needs and overcome resource constraints. Another significant lesson learned was the recognition of the significant impact of digital innovations in facilitating migrants' access to essential services and support in humanitarian contexts. It became evident that leveraging digital technologies could greatly enhance outreach and assistance for migrants.
However, it is equally important to ensure that these innovations are customized to meet the unique needs and contextual requirements.
Community engagement emerged as another pivotal strategy, fostering trust, communication, and the delivery of culturally sensitive and relevant assistance through trusted community sources. Furthermore, ensuring continuous communication with communities before and during crises was identified as essential for empowering communities – ensuring that crucial information is being appropriately disseminated.
The workshop's outcomes, encapsulated in these key recommendations, offer essential guidance to policymakers on how to implement effective protection measures and support systems specifically designed to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable migrant communities in the North African region during times of crisis. These recommendations are tools that can help policymakers make informed decisions and implement impactful strategies to address the unique needs and challenges faced by migrants, ensuring their safety, rights, and access to essential services are adequately protected and supported in times of crisis. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of inclusive social protection measures for migrants in North Africa. Governments' efforts to expand existing programs and leverage technology, coupled with the valuable contributions of civil society actors, showcased the potential for a more equitable and responsive approach to crisis management. In line with the Global Compact for Migrations’ Objectives, embracing lessons learned from these good and innovative practices could pave the way for more comprehensive and inclusive social protection policies that safeguard the well-being of migrants during future emergencies.