Saf Health Work.  2025 Jun;16(2):255-257. 10.1016/j.shaw.2025.04.001.

Europe's Overlooked Health and Hygiene Issues in Migrant Worker Housing: A Call for Action

• Samant Y
• Fabregat MR
• Seneviratne M

• KMID: 2569650
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2025.04.001

Abstract

This paper examines the overlooked health and hygiene challenges faced by migrant workers in Europe, focusing on their substandard housing conditions. Migrant workers, crucial to sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, are often housed in overcrowded, unsanitary environments that contribute to serious health risks. Poor ventilation, inadequate sanitation, and pest infestations lead to the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal ailments. Additionally, the psychosocial impact of insecure living conditions—stress, anxiety, and depression—further harms workers' well-being. These housing issues intersect with occupational hazards, exacerbating the health burden for workers in demanding, highrisk jobs. Despite the gravity of these problems, there is a significant lack of data and research, hindering effective policy action. The paper calls for stronger regulations on housing quality, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced occupational health measures to protect migrant workers. It also advocates for increased research and international cooperation to address these issues. The paper urges key stakeholders like the ILO, WHO, and ICOH to collaborate on developing comprehensive strategies to improve housing, health, and safety for migrant workers, ensuring their health and well-being is prioritized in policy and practice across Europe, and globally.

Keyword

Housing; Migrant workers; Occupational health; Policy; Research