Measures adopted during COVID-19 pandemic have curbed the spread of the virus in Slovakia, but at the same affected the economy and employment rates negatively. The Slovak economy recorded one of the deepest plunges in the eurozone. During the first quarter of 2020, GDP decreased by more than 5% compared to the previous year. At the same time, Slovakia recorded sharp growth in unemployment. Unemployment rate grew, according to the data of The Central Office of the Labour, Social Affairs and Family (UPSVaR), from 6.13% in February 2020 to 7.43% in April 2020. The numbers related to May and June 2020 are expected to be worse, with third-country nationals among the affected.

It has been demonstrated that migrants and refugees represent a disadvantaged group at the labour market as they often work more and have less secure jobs, low wages, short-term contracts, low prospects for developments, and are hired through agencies, thus not qualifying for labour protection.

At the same time, the migrant labour force in Slovakia is rather qualified and educated. In April 2020, UPSVaR data shows about 23% of employed migrants had a university degree and over 70% had completed secondary education. Migrants are mainly employed in the industrial sector, including in the automotive industry, construction, agriculture or services. 

Still, in April 2020, after a period of continuous growth for the foreigners' employment rate, figures started to decline. While in March 2020 a total of 77 920 foreigners were employed, in April their numbers decreased by 2% to to 71 198. Standing at 3%, slightly more third-nationals lost the job due to the COVID-19 pandemics than EU nationals. With a further consolidation of the labour market after the COVID-19 pandemic, a further decrease in employment rates is expected. 

Most third-country nationals in the country come from Ukraine (59%), followed by Serbia (20%) and Vietnam (4%).