Human mobility and labour migration in Latin America and the Caribbean

Labour migration corridors in Latin America and the Caribbean have recently changed, primarily driven by labour reasons but also influenced by other factors. Migrant populations play a crucial role in the economies and labour markets of host countries. According to ILO data (2021), migrant workers constitute 4.9 percent of the global labour force, equivalent to 169 million workers. The region hosts 3.5 percent of the world's migrant workers, particularly in the sectors of services, construction, and agriculture, among others. These occupations often have high levels of informality, low levels of social protection, and low wages, which affect individuals differently based on their personal characteristics.

The ILO's call in this situation has been towards promoting decent work and protecting labour rights as a pillar of action that encompasses the opportunity to access productive employment with fair income, ensuring security and freedom at work, social protection, and better prospects for personal development and social integration with equality of opportunity and treatment (ILO, n.d.a). This challenge is equally important for both national and migrant individuals, though migrants are generally more vulnerable to violations of workplace rights.