Research Insights: How Do Urban Migrants Fare in Latin American Labor Markets?

Urban migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean generally perform well in destination labor markets. However, female migrants and those displaced by violence or extreme weather events tend to face worse outcomes. Recent academic literature suggests little to no average impact of urban migration on non-migrant residents labor market outcomes, though effects can vary across different workforce segments. Policymakers can maximize the economic benefits of urban migration through targeted interventions such as public employment services, child care assistance policies, and programs to regularize residency status and certify professional credentials for international migrants.