44 In the interstice of health and economy: the discourse of bio-citizenship and the black economy among Filipino?domestic migrant workers in Belgium during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract EP1.4, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aims: This study explores the experiences of Filipino migrant domestic workers in Belgium, focusing on the intersection of bio-citizenship and the black economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines (1) how migrant workers adapted to sanitary measures imposed by the receiving state and (2) what strategies they employed to manage the repercussions of these measures. The study highlights the impact of informal labor, legal precarity, and healthcare inclusion on migrant well-being. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2021 and August 2022, this study gathered insights from 27 Filipino migrant workers (7 males, 20 females), both documented and undocumented, working in domestic services. Snowball sampling facilitated trust-building within the Filipino community, particularly among undocumented workers. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns in migrant adaptability, economic survival strategies, and healthcare access within Belgium’s labor and social policies. Results: Findings reveal three key themes (1) Uncertainties: migrants faced job losses, reduced working hours, and precarity due to undocumented status during lockdowns. Many resorted to alternative income sources within Belgium’s black economy, lacking formal protections or access to social safety nets; (2) Solidarity: Filipino migrant networks provided crucial financial, social, and emotional support, particularly for undocumented workers excluded from government relief. Community-driven initiatives such as food aid and shared resources helped mitigate economic hardships; and (3) Inclusive Healthcare: Belgium’s healthcare system extended services to all individuals regardless of legal status, allowing migrant workers, including the undocumented, access to COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and emergency care. Conclusion: This research underscores the complex interplay between migration, labor informality, and healthcare entitlements, illustrating how bio-citizenship and economic survival strategies intersect. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive labor and healthcare policies that acknowledge migrants’ vital contributions while ensuring equitable access to social protections, regardless of legal status.