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Summary
Migrant workers and their families have been among the most affected by COVID-19 while they have been also at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. All migrants were provided free access to COVID-19-related health care, including hospitalization with issuance of temporary ID for undocumented workers and suspension of the medical consultation fee for non-residents. The vaccination programme that was rolled out included nationals and migrants on a free and equitable basis. The UN Network on Migration in Bahrain recognised the steps taken towards provision of vaccination for migrants and recognised that certain groups remain outside of the official provision and need further outreach and advocacy, this included migrants in irregular status, vulnerable domestic workers and other categories. UN agencies worked to develop a joint brief which outlined the steps taken and proposed a series of recommendations, as well as targeted support to the government of Bahrain. The brief was shared with the Office of the Prime Minister and was discussed at a subsequent meeting. The government expressed its readiness to work with UN agencies to reach out to vulnerable migrants and provide vaccination.