Coronavirus: expatriate workers stigmatized in the Gulf countries

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Even though the Gulf monarchies took many measures early to stop the spread of the virus, more than 4,000 Covid-19 positive cases and some 20 illness-related deaths have been reported in this part of the world. Foreign workers are particularly affected by the economic slowdown and fear for their health. In Kuwait, a famous actress has spoken out in favor of their expulsion.

Publicity

Actress Hayat al-Fahad is a recognized figure in Kuwait. In a telephone interview broadcast on the local TV channel ATV, she spoke in favor of the expulsion of expatriates.

“ We have had enough. If we get sick, there will be no (place) in the hospital, ”said the 71-year-old actress known for her roles in Arab TV series. " Why should we care for them if their countries don't want them ?" Aren't these people supposed to leave during crises? She continued. " We should expel them (...), put them in the desert. I am not against compassion, but we have reached a level where we have had enough, ”she insisted.

In a country where almost 70% of the population is foreign, this recommendation certainly seems impractical, estimates our correspondent in the region, Nicolas Keraudren . But while Kuwait has registered less than 400 Covid-19 positive cases , the actress implies in her remarks that immigrant workers are at the origin of the spread of the virus in the country.

Job loss and degraded conditions

The expatriate population, mainly from Asian countries and often living in precarious conditions, is particularly affected by the global health context. The slowdown in economic activity makes these workers fear that they will lose their jobs. In addition, and despite the partial curfew measures decided in certain Gulf countries such as Kuwait, workers have not stopped their professional activity and are thus exposed to possible contamination.

On March 20, the NGO Amnesty International had already asked Qatar and the Gulf countries " to ensure that migrant workers are not further marginalized during this crisis ".

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