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Countless thousands of migrants around the world are still stuck in a state of COVID-induced limbo, unable to go home, and equally unable to move forward in their careers or even make ends meet.

In Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, 400 vulnerable migrants are receiving essential support from IOM Azerbaijan and the State Migration (SMS) funded by PRM, the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

That can even include such basics as food, accommodation, hygiene supplies and medical assistance.

Anthony Okwuoma, (28) has been studying for a Masters degree in IT in Baku for the past two years.

The Nigerian national says “COVID has affected me in so many ways. I cannot do some of the small jobs which helped me to cover my expenses and apartment fees. This has made my life difficult as feeding and paying for rent and utility bills is nearly impossible,” he said.

Anthony says that in his desperate situation, help from IOM arrived just in time. “I'm very grateful to IOM Azerbaijan, they helped me with part of my apartment rent and also provided me with enough food and that went a long way in supporting me.”.

IOM and the SMS has also supplied kits with information leaflets on COVID-19, hand sanitizer, thermometers, gloves, masks, and antibacterial wipes.

Vladimir Gjorgjiev, Chief of IOM’s mission in Azerbaijan, noted that COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on migrants in Azerbaijan, which has significantly worsened their socio-economic condition.

“In this situation, it is very important to cooperate to help migrants, and we are glad to work together with the State Migration Service, one of our main local partners. Migrants are part of our society and it is important for us to help them now and ensure they are included in future vaccination plans.”

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