The coronavirus pandemic is having a profound impact on global migration and mobility trends. The number of international migrants, which had been growing since the second world war, might remain flat or even decline in 2020, with regular migration between Europe and Africa set to take a heavy blow. Travel restrictions have already jeopardised the arrival to Europe of tens of thousands of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector. In turn, African countries risk losing part of the 48 billion dollars a year in international remittances, as well as 40 billion dollars a year from tourism receipts. And both within Europe and Africa walls are coming up, as more people are left involuntarily immobile.

 

ISPI is organising this three-event initiative to discuss some major issues affecting migrations between Africa and Europe in a time of pandemic.

 

First online round table:

The Big Freeze: Europe-Africa Migration Trends after COVID-19

9 June, 3.00-4.00 pm CEST

How is COVID-19 currently affecting Europe-Africa migration, and how may it change short- and long-term trends?

 

Second online round table:

Looking for Shelter: African Refugees and the Global Pandemic

16 June – 3.00-4.00 pm CEST 

How will the coronavirus pandemic affect refugees, already one of the most vulnerable categories, both within Africa and in their journey to Europe? 

 

Third online round table:

Sorry, We’re closed: Regular Migration from Africa to Europe

23 June – 3.00 - 4.00 pm CEST

How will lockdowns and travel restrictions affect regular, and, in particular, labour migration within and between the two continents?

 

Follow us on Twitter @ispionline #MigrationAfterCovid

 

This initiative will consist of three online events aiming to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on migration and mobility between Europe and Africa. It is organized on the occasion of the publication of the Report "The Future of Migration to Europe", edited by ISPI with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accordance with Article 23-bis of the Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 18/1967, which is available at this link.