Labour roots and migration routes: precarious employment as driver of irregular migration amongst women workers

Abstract

In Spain, the number of non-EU foreigners in an irregular administrative situation is relatively low, as priority is given to ensuring that legal residency status is the norm. However, individuals with regularized status are always at risk of falling into irregularity, as both residence and employment permits are tied to a labor contract. Through qualitative research, a group of eight women was interviewed to examine inequalities in access to employment, housing, and social security during the pandemic. The findings show that women without formal employment are vulnerable to losing their legal status, becoming homeless, or experiencing stress due to non-compliance with immigration laws. Additionally, the article presents experiences of self-managed support networks created to address both material and psychosocial challenges during the pandemic.