Positive Contributions of Migrants in Ecuador
“The evidence is unequivocal: when migrants have access to rights and opportunities, they make significant economic and social contributions to their host societies,” said Kristina Mejo, the director of the agency in Ecuador.
With around 441,000 Venezuelan migrants currently residing in Ecuador, they are contributing notably to the economy, with their households contributing approximately $47 million in taxes annually.
These contributions have been facilitated by public policies that have simplified documentation processes, expanded access to formal employment, social security, and financial services, and recognized academic qualifications.
These measures have not only increased productivity but also assisted in the integration of migrants into the national system.
Challenges Faced by Migrants
Despite these positive developments, significant obstacles remain for many migrants.
Venezuelans in Ecuador are predominantly young, with over 70 percent falling in the age bracket of 18 to 39. However, about two-thirds of them are employed in the informal sector, with only 30 percent working in their area of expertise.
Particularly affected are women, with nearly 70 percent working informally and many earning below the minimum wage.
Global Remittances on the Rise
A recent study sheds light on the increasing trend of global remittances—money sent back home by migrant workers.
According to the IOM‘s 2024 World Migration Report, global remittances have risen from $128 billion in 2000 to $831 billion in 2022, highlighting the growing economic significance of migration.
High-income countries, especially the United States, are the primary sources of these remittances, with the US sending out $79 billion in 2022. This not only supports families but also fortifies global financial connections.
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Germany also significantly contribute to global remittances, with amounts standing at $39.4 billion, $31.9 billion, and $25.6 billion, respectively.
India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Egypt are the top recipients of remittances. India leads the pack, receiving over $111 billion in remittances, becoming the first country to surpass and exceed $100 billion.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/09/1165863
