THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION ON THE TRANSMISSION PATTERNS OF COVID-19

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe damage to socio-economic activities, leading to a deep recession in the global economy. Most countries have responded quickly and have attempted to support the labour market and socio-economic conditions through unprecedented policy packages since the beginning of the crisis to reduce the economic shock and support workers. The analysis showed that the pandemic had affected all migration forms, including labour and return migration. On the other hand, the return migration accelerated the spread of the virus. The current study aims to assess the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and migrant stock in the countries of origin and destination. Econometric modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The study reveals a significant relationship between international migrant stocks (countries of origin) and the confirmed cases of COVID-19.