This paper aims to consolidate available information on the impact of COVID-19 on stranded migrants, to gauge a better understanding of their evolving challenges and needs, and to serve as a first step towards the (re)design of tailored programmes, advocacy and responses. The analysis is based on the qualitative and quantitative data collected by IOM on the impact of COVID-19 on migrants through various primary and secondary sources as part of its Impact on Migrants initiative.

As such, the paper points to different categories of COVID-19 impacts on stranded migrants, the international cooperation on return and readmission between countries of destination and countries of origin and how these inform and impact solutions for stranded migrants, and reporting strengths and weaknesses. The paper builds on the Issue Brief on COVID-19 and Stranded Migrants prepared by the Return Task Force and on the recommendations for actions included in it.