As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, with more than one million confirmed cases globally, migrant workers are faced being hit the hardest by the negative impacts in global communities, businesses and supply chains, including through soaring unemployment rates and possible loss of income. It is vital that international brands, their suppliers and other business partners must recognize their shared responsibility to protect migrant workers and work together with governments towards avoiding costs of economic damages being passed onto workers. 

To support employers to respond effectively to the crisis, IOM released Guidance for Employers and Businesses on Protection of Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Crisis. The Guidance will be a "living document" updated regularly for the duration of the pandemic.