Domestic workers and Covid-19

Female domestic workers with a migration journey play an essential role in keeping society functioning. They are indispensable to the wellbeing of many households, notably by cleaning and providing care services for children, the elderly and the sick, often under precarious working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected this sector, but little has been known so far about how migrant domestic workers experienced the crisis, how public policies affected them, and how they managed the risks and challenges in their daily lives. This project aimed to fill these gaps.

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought instability to everyone’s lives, women working in the domestic services sector were among the most affected. Frequently occupying vulnerable positions shaped by gender, citizenship and class inequalities, many work informally or with uncertain residence status. As a result, access to labour rights and social protection may be limited, raising questions about how they cope with and overcome the inequalities and discrimination they face.

This project investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of female migrant domestic workers and the forms of agency they developed to cope with this public health crisis.

Residence status and employment contracts are crucial: Migrant domestic workers without secure permits or formal contracts were the most exposed to job losses, income insecurity and limited access to support measures.

Civil society filled critical gaps: Restrictive eligibility criteria, administrative and digital barriers often limited access to support programmes. Civil society organisations helped migrant domestic workers obtain financial support, information and health services, effectively taking on state responsibilities.

Changed working conditions and lack of recognition: Domestic workers often continued their work on site while employers worked from home. Cleaning and hygiene tasks increased significantly, and workers often felt responsible for protecting the health of employers. At the same time, their work remained largely invisible and undervalued.

Agency instead of victimhood: Despite these challenges, migrant domestic workers were not passive victims. They developed strategies to cope with the crisis, such as negotiating working conditions with employers, accessing support networks and civil society organisations, and building practical knowledge to manage health risks and administrative procedures.

The study shows how crises can deepen inequalities in sectors characterised by informal employment and precarious legal status. Policies designed to support vulnerable groups may fail to reach those most in need when access depends on formal employment, legal residence status or complex administrative procedures. The findings show the need for accessible support systems and highlight the crucial role of civil society organisations in reaching marginalised groups and facilitating access to information and support. Stronger cooperation between public authorities and these organisations could improve crisis responses. Recognising the essential contribution of domestic workers is key to improving working conditions, social protection and health outcomes during and beyond times of crisis.

Hypervulnerability and Agency: The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Migrant Women Working in the Domestic Services Sector

The publications of the project can be found in the SNSF Data Portal.