MIGRANTE-NETHERLANDS, the alliance of Filipino migrant workers in the Netherlands, expresses its deepest concern over the exclusion of undocumented migrants in access to the QR code proof of vaccination.

In the November 5, 2021  update of the website of the GGD GHOR (association of Dutch municipal health services and regional medical relief organizations), it stated that without a BSN number (Dutch citizen service number) "it is not (yet) possible" to get a correct QR code --- even if fully vaccinated. In the email exchange between MIGRANTE and the GGD GHOR, the GGD cited the 'high workload' as the reason for the abrupt end to the processing of the QR code requests. It asked the undocumented migrants to wait patiently for the processing to resume. 

During the press conference about the corona pandemic measures, the government announced broader pandemic measures, including requiring more places to require people to show their QR code. Recently, the GGD affirmed new requirements for the undocumented to get a QR code, including proving place of residence (the BSN number).

With out the BSN number, one cannot get a QR code. Without the QR code, undocumented migrants cannot enter these places like most other people. They cannot accompany children to places that require QR codes. They cannot eat in restaurants and snack bars. They cannot go to places such as cinemas, museums, art galleries, cultural places, and schools.

The BSN is issued by the Dutch government to all legal residents. Most undocumented migrants come to the country because of undesirable situations in their countries of origin: war, poverty, discrimination, and persecution. Many of them work as informal workers as caregivers, domestic workers, construction. They are not protected by employment contracts, nor enjoy citizen rights to health care, education, housing, etc. They are often exploited and suffer from oppression because of this. 

Whether intentional or not, this has created a situation where the undocumented migrant is confronted with discrimination because of their status. For many, this brings to mind painful stories from the past: images of colonization, slavery, and apartheid.

This form of discrimination must be stopped immediately – like any other form of discrimination! The rights and welfare of undocumented migrants must be protected and upheld.  

Access to the QR code for all vaccinated people must be available to all – including the undocumented migrants!