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** As GCC States struggle to contain Covid19, workers pay a high price

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Nearly two months since the Covid19 spread shook the region, GCC states are trying to cope not only with the healthcare crisis, but with the plethora of festering issues resulting from decades-old migration policies.

These are some of the key issues Migrant-Rights.org has covered since our last newsletter.

Fund a Futoor ([link removed])

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Many GCC migrant workers, who are struggling amid the fallout of Covid19, were counting on mosques being open for their daily iftars. While communities are rising to support them, still many need our support. Together with on-ground partners, we're hoping to help feed 1,000 migrant workers every day this Ramadan. Workers of all faiths and nationalities will receive provisions. We're pleased to announce that we've now reached our funding goal through individual contributions and the generous support of our donors.
Editorials and Op-eds
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Op-ed: Community transmission in Kuwait hits migrant workers hardest: ([link removed]) Though the poor living conditions of migrant workers in Kuwait’s urban areas is well-known, no effective actions have been taken to improve their circumstances.

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Domestic Workers: Bearing the Brunt of Invisibility, Isolation and Inequality ([link removed])

The invisibility and isolation of domestic workers may prove to be particularly dangerous in the current circumstances of the Covid19 pandemic. The dictum by governments around the world is to ‘stay home’. What when staying home is your biggest threat?


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Structured to Perfection: Racism in the Gulf ([link removed])
When we write of racism in the region, it’s rarely acknowledged that the discourse finds deep roots in the very way in which these Governments build and run the countries. This Covid19 pandemic demonstrates that even if the virus doesn’t discriminate, the system will.
News Reports and Updates
* UAE’s resolution to stabilise private sector employment gives businesses a free hand on contract change ([link removed])

* Bahrain announces amnesty for irregular migrants and cuts in Flexi-Permit fees ([link removed])

* Community groups struggle to meet rising needs among Oman’s migrant workers ([link removed])

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The COVID19 crisis is fueling more racist discourse towards migrant workers in the Gulf ([link removed])
Racism against migrant workers is a longstanding feature of public discourse across the Gulf countries. The COVID19 outbreak is further inflaming xenophobic sentiments, with popular calls to deport, quarantine and segregate migrant workers.

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With banks and money transfer agents closed, migrants struggle to send money home ([link removed])
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the financial exclusion of migrant workers and their families has been thrown into sharp relief.

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Decades of migration mismanagement has Saudi scampering to contain the spread ([link removed])
Saudi Arabia is repurposing empty schools and building makeshift camps to house migrant workers away from their overcrowded accommodation, as the government steps up its effort to fight the coronavirus.

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Migrants take their own lives as Covid19’s psychological impact worsens ([link removed])
The pandemic is wreaking havoc on the mental health of migrant workers in the GCC states. The reality of the lockdown and the impact of job and wage loss has left many in despair and agony.

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UAE not “making it happen” for its migrants ([link removed])
As parts of the country begin to re-open, low-income migrants are still bearing the brunt of the economic crisis.

Ramadan Reminders
We took our yearly Ramadan campaign online this year with a series of reminders that reference Islamic ethics, local laws, and good practices. Check out the rest of the gifs here. ([link removed])




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Read our joint letter to GCC states urging greater protection for migrant workers.
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** Qatar letter ([link removed])
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* Saudi, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain letters ([link removed])

GCC states have launched some positive initiatives, including awareness-raising programs for workers and companies and free treatment in some states. However, protection gaps continue to leave workers at risk and policies often have an unintended impact on workers.

Migrant-Rights.org ([link removed]) is closely monitoring the situation and updating our coverage regularly.

Follow us on Twitter @MigrantRights ([link removed]) for our latest news and commentary.
It's a pleasure to share that Migrant-Rights.org was selected as a Webby Award Honoree for the activism category. The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences holds the Webby Awards every year to honour excellence on the internet.

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