Factors affecting the mental health of working migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic consequences were amplified in groups in vulnerable situations, and migrants have been overrepresented in the COVID-19 statistics worldwide. Specifically, the consequences on mental health might have differential mechanisms for migrants. Particularly, working migrants could be in more vulnerable situations as they often work in essential jobs, with high exposure to disease and are subject to high unemployment rates. Studies suggest that complex interactions between individual and structural factors could help explain the differential impact of the pandemic among migrants. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of migrants working in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a secondary analysis to identify factors affecting migrants’ mental health and well-being. METHODS: We conducted in-depth personal interviews with 20 working migrants from different working sectors in Bergen and Oslo, using a purposive sampling method. Thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Migrants’ mental health was affected by several factors classified into two levels: workplace and host country context. Discrimination was the only migrant-specific factor and was found at both levels. Among workplace-related factors, the pressure from companies to vaccinate against COVID-19 negatively affected mental health. At the host country context, the effect of the Norwegian welfare system was predominantly positive on migrants’ well-being. Like increased discrimination, social isolation was found at both levels and might have a differential impact on migrants. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors negatively and positively affected the mental health of working migrants during the pandemic. Further research on these factors with an intersectional perspective is needed. This knowledge is crucial to design policies and developing strategies to improve health for everyone. KEY MESSAGES: • During the pandemic, pressure to get vaccinated and increased discrimination at the workplace negatively impacted migrants’ mental health, while effects of Norwegian social benefits were positives. • In addition to workplace discrimination, other factors such as social isolation may have had a differential impact on migrants’ mental health during the pandemic and need further study.