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Bahrain | 13 May 2020

Gulf states: Migrant workers mainly affected by COVID-19

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On 19 April 2020, The Guardian reported how migrant workers are bearing the brunt of the Corona virus pandemic in the Gulf states: "In Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain, official figures suggest nearly all cases have been among foreigners, many of whom live in [labor] camps". In connection with this, The Print reported on 14 April 2020 that Emirati TV presenter Tariq Al-Mehyas has been heavily criticized on social media for making racist comments about deporting non-Arab migrants. Michael Bosch, Persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "With all Gulf countries going into lockdown to prevent the further spread of the virus, hundreds of thousands of low-skilled migrant workers are currently without work and find themselves forced to survive with no income in crowded compounds where social distancing is impossible and sanitary conditions are poor. Among them are many Christians from Asian and African countries (such as the Philippines, India and Ethiopia). Meanwhile, all activities in the church compounds have been suspended, according to Kerk in Actie reporting about the situation in Kuwait on 23 March 2020. Church leaders are trying to offer relief to those stuck in the camps and are also encouraging their members to keep praying. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, a group of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant leaders are calling upon their members to follow government guidelines and to pray daily at 19:00hrs. In addition, Gulf News reported on 9 April 2020 how many churches in the UAE have been able to broadcast online services over the Good Friday and Easter weekend." Michael Bosch adds: "Concerning the TV presenter, the wave of criticism began after he spoke in support of Kuwaiti actress Hayad al Fahad who publicly requested the deportation of all Asian and African migrants from Kuwait. Despite such criticism, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have started deporting Ethiopian migrant workers (Quartz Africa, 14 April 2020) and it is likely that other countries will follow suit. This is a very harsh move and will affect many Christians: First they are employed under poor conditions, and now that they are ill or otherwise vulnerable, they are packed off back to their home countries like bags of rubbish."

 

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