A Rapid Needs Assessment was conducted by IOM on April 8-16 2020 to provide a much-needed insight into the most pressing challenges that third country migrants face in Georgia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment focused on groups of migrants who are presumed or known to suffer disproportionate negative effects in public health emergencies, including irregular migrants, low income migrant workers, foreign students and rejected asylum seekers.

IOM’s Rapid Need Assessment revealed that the most acute needs stem out of the loss of income. The survey revealed limitations in access to health care among the target groups, as well as general reluctance among migrants to seek health care in Georgia, citing issues of affordability, mistrust and fears related to legal status or occupation in the case of sex workers, as well as language barriers. Posing a threat to public health in the country, the assessment confirmed limited awareness of recommended COVID-19-related prevention measures due to lack of public information targeting foreigners in languages they can understand, as well as lack of personal protective equipment which respondents noted was hard to obtain or buy. A significant proportion of respondents reported cohabitating in overcrowded living quarters such as low-cost hostels and dormitories, hindering their ability to control the amount of risk and exposure to health risks. However, while many respondents have considered returning to their country of origin due to COVID19 situation, a majority felt safe about staying in Georgia.

IOM conducted the Rapid Needs Assessment with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, under the EMERGE Project, which is aimed at enhancing migrants’ rights and good governance in Armenia and Georgia.  The assessment was done in cooperation with four local NGOs – Rights Georgia, Migration Center, Information Medical Psychological Center Tanadgoma and Green Caucasus.

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