Paper “Migration of Youth in Latin America and the Caribbean” By: Dr. Ana Isabel Roldán Rico Professor and Researcher University of Querétaro

Introduction The migration of youth is beginning to gain prominence in academic studies, multilateral organizations, and government programs, as it has been an extremely dynamic sector in recent years. At the same time, it poses challenges to be to be taken up on the agendas of governments and multilateral organizations.

Factors influencing migration -1 1. Labor market and population growth The labor and employment problems affecting society as a whole in the region are particularly acute in the case of youth. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AMONG YOUTH 15-29 YEARS OF AGE, BY QUINTILES OF PER CAPITA HOUSEHOLD INCOME, NATIONAL TOTALS (simple averages) Source: ECLAC

Factors influencing migration-2 2. Education, human development, and insertion -1 Primary education One half of the poorest 20% of the population do not finish primary school, while 90% of the wealthiest 20% do. Secondary education Only two of every ten youth living in poverty complete secondary school. Higher education One out of every 100 of the poorest 20% complete university, whereas one-fifth of the wealthiest 20% do.

Factors influencing migration-2 2. Education, human development, and insertion-2 Work situation: • Millions of youth in the region are part of neither the labor market nor the school system. • Of the 26% of youth aged 15 to 29, one of every four is ultimately socially excluded. • In poor households, 30% to 40% of youth neither study nor work. Young professionals are not able to find jobs commensurate with their skills either.

3. Transnational communities and social capital Transnational communities play a key role in international migration. Family, friends, and other contacts in the country of destination often initiate and facilitate the process of relocation, and thus encourage and sustain migration (Massey et al, 1993). Transnationalism triggers complex relationships and activities that transcend the family setting, and ultimately have an effect on governments, laws, and institutions.

4. Financial independence and work Jobs for youth are a real opportunity for youth to participate in the productive processes of society and to become more independent. The main challenge involved in policies promoting jobs for youth is to reconcile the need for poor youth to be self-employed and have access to decent work in businesses, while trying to ensure greater convergence with the employment options available to youth in middle and high-income sectors. Various local development agencies have implemented youth training programs offering them occupational training and business classes. Example: “3x1 Program (Mexico)

Preliminary conclusions It is necessary to promote an environment conducive to business, through measures favoring consolidation, maintenance, and improvement of competitiveness, while at the same time eliminating legislative and financial obstacles to creating businesses in general, and jobs for youth more specifically.