Few sectors have been as severely disrupted by the ongoing spread of COVID-19 as the global migrant labour industry. Vaccination requirements, travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and other developments have made life more difficult than ever for millions of migrant labourers around the globe. Employers have gained new responsibilities in the midst of this public health crisis, too. Successfully managing ethical issues in the recruitment process is more difficult than ever before.
Companies offering employment to migrant labourers must ensure the health and well-being of workers isn’t left by the wayside. Figuring out the rules and requirements of hiring during a pandemic is the first step – enlisting the help of technological platforms like Joblio is the second.
Dealing with labour shortages
Employers around the globe are grappling with labour shortages that frustrate productivity and lead to an inability to meet consumer demand. Reports from the NFU indicate that the agricultural sector in particular is suffering from a lack of qualified workers. This is disastrous for long-term growth; “migrant labourers play a pivotal role in the development of the global economy,” global relocation expert Jon Purizhansky notes.
Private companies must understand that the rules for importing labourers from abroad have changed and will continue to evolve in the wake of COVID-19’s spread. In nations such as the UK, foreign nationals are subject to national restrictions that can impede movement. Labourers who are seeking to journey to the UK before July 19th may need to take a COVID-19 test before and after arrival. Those who are not vaccinated will be required to quarantine upon arrival, though fully vaccinated workers can eschew quarantine when arriving or leaving the country.
In Germany, entry restrictions are in place for those who aren’t vaccinated. Travellers from the EU or other select partners, like Canada or the United States, may also enter without restriction. Host countries will always have specific regulations which govern who can and can’t enter; employers should carefully consult government resources before hiring to ensure they don’t run afoul of COVID-19 restrictions. Highly skilled workers who fulfill economically vital roles are often allowed to travel despite COVID-19, yet restrictions vary from state to state.
Maximizing success when crossing borders
Employers seeking to hire migrant labourers based in another country should take the following steps to ensure that borders are successfully and legally crossed:
- Ensure that travellers have access to COVID-19 testing before and after arrival
- Ensure that travellers are fully vaccinated and have the documents to prove it
- Ensure that other legal documents – e.g. a work visa – are in order before arrival
While different countries are governed by various COVID-19 regulations, virtually all of them will be easier to access for migrants with access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Employers should also guarantee that every migrant labourer is familiar with proper medical guidelines for avoiding the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a mask and avoiding poorly ventilated areas.
Technology platforms like Joblio ensure that all workers are properly taken care of before they arrive in their destination countries. CEO Jon Purizhansky notes that “all applicants will undergo a medical examination 48 hours prior to arrival, including COVID-19 tests,” when using Joblio. By prioritizing worker well being, Joblio facilitates a smooth transition from origin countries to destination countries where jobs are waiting for migrants eager to work. Purizhansky elaborates that “Joblio is committed to ensuring the right of all workers to a safe and healthy work environment.”
Joblio’s platform also guarantees that workers aren’t exploited once they’ve finally arrived in their new homes. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a serious spike of labour abuse allegations in many parts of the world. Joblio circumvents labour abuse by directly connecting workers to employers before the job begins to ensure they negotiate on equal terms. The platform also confirms that local and international humanitarian standards are being upheld throughout the hiring process.
Managing the fallout from COVID-19
Migrant labourers will suffer from the economic impact of COVID-19 for years to come. One report from the Asian Development Bank claimed economic remittances from labourers dropped anywhere from $31 to $54 billion in 2020 alone. Employers must be ready to offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and a transparent negotiation process to these labourers as they bounce back from the pandemic. With the help of platforms like Joblio, they can streamline the process whereby medical and legal documents are taken care of well before employment begins.
Stay up to date on policy briefs provided by the International Labour Organization and enlist the help of technological platforms like Joblio to ensure a smooth hiring process during and after the pandemic.
Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/en/blog/hiring-migrant-labourers-during-a-global-pandemic/