Undocumented in the time of pandemic: exploring legal violence, health care and human rights of irregular Filipino migrants in Italy and the UK

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of states’ pandemic responses to the conditions and vulnerabilities of undocumented Filipino migrants in Italy and the UK. It also explores the role and strategies of migrant organisations in addressing the issues and concerns of undocumented workers. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative approaches are used to collect and analyse the narratives of the migrants and migrant organisations. This paper used government reports, policy briefs and documents from international organisations in analysing the socio-political vulnerabilities of undocumented migrants in the context of the global pandemic. In addition, we interviewed leaders of migrant organisations, which are involved in supporting irregular migrants. Findings The study reveals that states have exercised a regime of legitimate violence against undocumented workers in Italy and the UK. This regime is imposed not only by the stringent laws and policies that directly and indirectly cause economic, social and even cultural suffering to the migrants but also by the “symbolic violence” manifested in structural and social inequalities, and the exploitative economic order amid the pandemic. Responding to the “regime of fear”, migrant organisations provide immediate relief and “safe spaces” for the undocumented workers. Originality/value The paper contributes to the ongoing conversation on state practices in regulating migration by framing the conditions of undocumentation as legal violence that structurally deprives irregular migrants access to health care and human rights amid global health crisis.

Heritage Culture Detachment Predicts Hope and Well-Being of Filipino Migrant Workers: A Study of Low- and Semi-skilled Filipino Workers in Macau

“…Before we conclude, we should note that the data gathering for the study was completed before the COVID-19 pandemic. As it was with Filipino migrant workers in many different countries (Vilog & Pioccos, 2021 ), many Filipino migrant workers in Macau lost their jobs as their employers left the territory (Liem et al, 2020 ), while those who stayed lived in conditions that made them vulnerable to contagion but were not able to avail of the same health protections provided by the government (Zuev & Hannam, 2021 ). It is very likely that Filipino migrant workers’ thoughts related to acculturation and their well-being since the start of the pandemic are substantially different from the time that our exploratory student was conducted.…”

“…Among Filipino migrant workers in Japan, strains in their family relationships were found to be more pronounced than the strains due to work and living conditions (Ohara-Hirano, 2000 ). These well-being issues are exacerbated by barriers to healthcare and lack of resources (Hall Garabiles, & Latkin, 2019 ; Hall et al, 2019 ; Hall, Yip, et al, 2019 ; Pioccos et al, 2021 ).…”

“…There are a few studies that focus on Filipino migrant workers’ well-being instead of mental health concerns. Studies of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong, for example, point to social networks and employer support as sources of health and well-being (Pioccos et al, 2021 ) and related to positive character strengths (Nalipay et al, 2021 ). Similar observations of social network support were shared by Filipino migrant workers in Japan (Ohara-Hirano, 2000 ; Paillard-Borg & Hallberg, 2018 ) and Australia (Maneze et al, 2016 ).…”

Considerazioni chiave: equità e partecipazione nella promozione della vaccinazione per il covid-19 tra le persone razzializzate e senza documenti

“…Beyond this, undocumented people are often demotivated to access health facilities because of fear of connection between health and the state authorities. 44,19 Within Rome, Italian police are known to administer fines which, if unpaid, lead to court hearings for undocumented people. Undocumented people fear deportation.…”

The political determinants of the health of undocumented immigrants: a comparative analysis of mortality patterns in Switzerland

“…The question of whether there is an association between inclusive health care policies towards undocumented immigrants and their health is especially crucial against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early studies on the pandemic show that this group of the population is exposed to specific vulnerabilities due to precarious living conditions [13,14], over-representation in low-skilled professions [15], and fear to be reported to the authorities upon using health care services [16,17]. In this context, it is important to examine whether inclusive health care policies help tackling these vulnerabilities.…”