The (im)Balance between Control and Exclusion: Migration Policy Measures, Anti-Migrant Attitudes, Mobilisations and Political Discourse in Spain and Greece during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, particularly on the most vulnerable populations in the EU, including migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. This chapter analyses, via a horizontal dimension of the populist divide, the impact of migration policy measures during the pandemic as well as the rise of hostile rhetoric and anti-migrant attitudes, mobilisations and political discourse in Spain and Greece. A narrative discourse analysis revealed perceptions and practices of inequality, control and exclusion. The multidimensional impact of the pandemic on migrants, asylum seekers and refugees are presented, along with similarities and differences that occurred and evidence of the ongoing obstacles these groups encountered during the pandemic.