As of 24 April, more than 2.5 million confirmed cases and over 178,000 deaths have been reported globally since the outbreak began. Confirmed cases have been reported in more than 200 countries/territories/areas, with new cases and countries reporting daily. A total of 215 countries, territories and areas have implemented a total of 52,262 travel restrictions. This indicates an 8 percent increase in the number of daily restrictions from 48,588 restrictions recorded on 20 April.

As physical distancing measures continue to be imposed and maintained in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions of migrants and host communities in many regions are rapidly worsening.

In addition, due to the economic slowdown linked to lockdowns and other physical distancing measures, there is an increase in migrants returning to their home countries and regions. The movements have fueled xenophobia in many regions, with increasing reports of stigma and discrimination towards migrants at the destination, transit and home locations upon return, due to fears around COVID-19 transmission.