Were immigrants on the frontline during the lockdown? Evidence from France

In France, immigrants' excess of mortality was higher than natives' during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Were immigrants in frontline jobs and more exposed to Covid-19? Based on a nationally representative survey, we model the probability to work in a frontline job according to migratory status, taking sociodemographic and occupational characteristics into account. Compared to natives (Metropolitan France), being an African immigrant was associated to higher probability to work in a frontline job [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.82 (1.23-2.71)], as well as being born in French Overseas Departments [aOR = 1.64 (1.23-2.18)], reflecting racial division of work and higher Sars-Cov-2 exposure of immigrant and minority populations.