Spain’s unemployment surged by 300,000 last month as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the nation’s economy to a standstill. While government aid supports many citizens, an estimated 1.5 million undocumented immigrants—including many from Asian countries—find themselves in an even more precarious situation, lacking access to unemployment benefits and social safety nets.
Among them is an immigrant couple with three dependents from South Asia, whose story was captured by local vlogger Roger Lapuente Duran. Their daily struggle to survive during the lockdown highlights the severe impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable populations.
Without legal status, the couple cannot apply for government assistance or formal employment. They rely on sporadic, informal jobs that have disappeared amid the lockdown. With limited savings and growing expenses, they face the stark reality of insufficient food and the risk of homelessness.
Community organizations and volunteers have stepped in to provide some relief, offering food parcels and essential supplies. However, the scale of the need far exceeds the available support.
“Their story is just one of many,” Duran notes. “We must not overlook the people who are most in need during these unprecedented times.”
The plight of undocumented immigrants in Spain, including those from Asia, underscores the broader challenges faced by marginalized groups during global crises. As nations around the world grapple with the pandemic, questions arise about the inclusivity of social welfare systems and the need for policies that protect all residents, regardless of legal status.
This situation mirrors challenges in various Asian countries, where migrant workers and undocumented immigrants face similar hardships due to lockdowns and economic downturns. It highlights a global issue that requires coordinated efforts and compassionate responses from the international community.
Reference(s):
Story of Fighting COVID-19: Lockdown hits Spain's undocumented hard
cgtn.com
