Regulatory Frameworks for International Labor Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean

This study analyzes labor and migration regulations in the 26 borrowing member countries of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to identify the conditions under which foreign nationals with regular migration status can access labor markets (the right to work) and participate in them (rights at work) across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Based on a review of 218 legal and regulatory sourcesincluding constitutions, laws, labor codes, regulations, treaties, and bilateral or regional agreementsthe report provides the first comprehensive comparison of the regions regulatory frameworks.
The findings show progress toward a shared approach to safe, orderly, and productive labor migration, although significant differences remain. Most countries require a prior employment contract, limit the duration of work permits to an average of two years, and restrict workers ability to change employers or the right of dependents to work.
The study underscores the need to simplify procedures, strengthen institutional coordination, and harness the economic potential of labor mobility. It provides a previously unavailable empirical foundation for the design of more coherent and effective public policies.