Context:
Migration dynamics are changing in Central America. Fewer and fewer people are moving on as migrants in transit, and many now stay in the region. As a result, countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica face new challenges, but also gain opportunities.
Whereas Guatemala and Honduras are working on improved integration of returnees into society and working life, Panama and Costa Rica are finding ways of managing irregular migration and creating prospects for the migrants. At the same time, the region demonstrates a growing need for regular labour migration – for instance to address the labour shortage in certain sectors.
Objective:
The national and regional conditions for regular labour migration are tangibly improved, as governmental and non-governmental institutions cooperate better, establish clear rules and use existing structures more efficiently.
Approach:
The project improves cooperation between public authorities, civil society and the private sector, so that they no longer work in isolation and can make better use of the limited resources. To this end, it supports the countries in expanding their coordination and steering, developing multi-sectoral strategies, and applying concrete measures to make formal labour markets more accessible.
These activities ensure that migration is safer and better regulated and that migrants are treated more decently. At the same time they foster economic and social development in the region.