Does COVID-19 Affect Migrants and Natives Similarly? An Investigation Into Health and Employment Impacts

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic raised critical questions about whether migrants in Chinese cities receive equitable treatment compared to urban natives. Using micro-survey data, this study examines vaccine availability and job stability for “rural-to-urban” and “urban-to-urban” migrants during the pandemic. We find that migrants had comparable access to vaccines as natives, with older and less educated migrants prioritized, reflecting policies targeting vulnerable groups. However, “rural-to-urban” migrants experienced significantly greater job stability disruptions than natives and “urban-to-urban” migrants, primarily due to weaker social networks. These findings highlight the need for targeted employment protection programs to support vulnerable migrant populations and their families during public health crises.