As we mark International Migrants Day on 18 December, we put attention on how the COVID-19 pandemic has put a heavy toll on migrant workers around the globe. A recent report by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) outlined how
On 3 December 2020, the ISSA Social Security Virtual Summit for the Americas brought together more than 500 administrators, managers and experts in the field from across the region.
Across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is exposing gaps in social security coverage. The crisis' impact is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries where many workers, especially those in the informal sector, have no access to any form of social protection. The crisis prompted
In Europe, the second wave of the coronavirus has since September prompted the re-introduction of social distancing measures, restrictions to economic activity, telework, curfews and lockdowns. Without certainty on the duration of the health crisis and its knock-on effects on the economy
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed work arrangements. Teleworking has been introduced or expanded around the world to reduce the risk of infection at the workplace. This has also affected frontier workers in the European Union (EU). As they normally work in one country and reside in
Italy was one of the countries most affected by COVID-19 during the first semester 2020. In addition to a generalized lockdown starting on 10 March, wide-reaching social security measures to mitigate the health, social and economic impact of the coronavirus crisis were implemented. Two early decrees
On 10 September 2020, G20 labour and employment ministers met virtually to discuss the impact of, and necessary responses to, the COVID-19 crisis. Social protection was one of four priority areas highlighted in the declaration from the meeting. The ministers emphasized the need to work closely with
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) has mapped over 1400 social security responses from more than 200 countries, territories and areas around the world. The ISSA’s database on Coronavirus country measures is now part of the Oxford Supertracker
Partial unemployment schemes, sometimes called short-term work schemes, are one of the key mechanisms to reduce both the degree of sudden economic downturns and their labour market and social impacts. As reported by the ISSA in March, these schemes, which allow employers to flexibly reduce working
To mitigate the social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, a significant number of countries have introduced temporary cash transfers to population groups in, or at risk of, poverty. These payments have responded to the specific needs of these vulnerable groups who are immediately affected by a reduction
North African countries reacted quite swiftly to the spread of the coronavirus. They declared national states of emergency, imposed widespread lockdowns and closed their borders from the very first cases of infection. Systems for testing and systematically monitoring confirmed cases were also put in
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a heavy toll on migrant workers around the globe, who are particularly vulnerable in terms of social protection coverage, and assistance is required from origin, transit and destination countries. While the specific type of support is linked to various factors, most
Malta implemented early measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and flatten the curve. Preparedness, physical isolation and quarantine, alongside a comprehensive programme of testing and contact tracing, allowed Malta to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Social security measures have played a key role to mitigate the health, social and economic impact of COVID-19 in France. A comprehensive package of social security responses was launched when health emergency was declared on 16 March.
A series of substantial measures have been taken in the Argentine Republic in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Of particular note among these are the financial bolstering of social security benefits, the strengthening of institutions’ digital customer-service channels and the launch of measures to
Social security institutions are an important face of government, particularly when disasters strike. As the turmoil and the global loss of lives and livelihoods caused by the coronavirus continue to rise, social security administrators are standing ground and keeping the promise: to deliver
In Spain, the government introduced a significant number of social security measures to mitigate the health, social and economic impact of COVID-19. The National Social Security Institute (INSS) and the General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS) have played a key role in implementing these measures
The current COVID-19 crisis has disrupted customer services in social security institutions worldwide. Institutions had to rapidly adapt their service delivery approaches to ensure the continuity of social security services while reducing personal interactions to a minimum. Furthermore, in the
In the People’s Republic of China, social security measures were an important component of the government’s emergency response in the context of COVID-19. The combination of adaptations to social security contributions and benefits with adjustments to operational processes and service delivery
Families and children are among the population groups heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and social security systems have responded rapidly to meet their specific needs.
On the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) wants to pay tribute to all the courageous health workers who risk their lives to save others during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The self-employed are a key pillar of economic activity in many countries. While often belonging to lower income groups, their social security protection is usually significantly less comprehensive than the one provided to employees. Due to the coronavirus crisis, many governments have taken
Worldwide almost 2.4 million people die due to an occupational disease, compared to 0.38 million that die because of a work accident. Insurance covering occupational diseases is an important pillar of social security and a safety net to all workers who may be exposed to chemical, physical or
As part of emergency measures to support companies in the context of the dramatically decreasing economic activity due to the coronavirus, many governments and social security institutions have temporarily postponed or reduced social security contribution obligations. The major objective of such
Cash sickness benefit schemes have historically been among the first social security measures put in place. As the coronavirus crisis unfolds, such schemes are receiving renewed attention, and governments are expanding them significantly.
In view of the large reduction in economic activity and disruptions in supply chains in the context of the coronavirus crisis, a number of governments have taken urgent measures to introduce or significantly extend partial unemployment and short-term work schemes.
In light of the impact of COVID-19, the new coronavirus, on regional and global economic outlooks, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) highlights the key role played by social security in reducing the related social and economic impact. Calling for preparation for an increased need
