Enhancing Humane and Orderly Labour Migration from Guatemala

1. Guatemala faces high levels of international migration due to insecurity and lack of economic opportunities, with 56% of the population living in poverty and many migrating irregularly under inhumane conditions. 
 

2. The Temporary Workers Program, officially launched in 2021, has managed over 10,000 contracts, providing a regulated alternative to irregular migration. 
 

3. Developed economies face shortages in technical and clerical jobs, with over 8.6 million new jobs expected in fields like transport, mechanics, and vocational education by 2027. 
 

4. Aligning the skill set of Guatemalan workers with international demand, providing training on working conditions and rights, and promoting financial literacy for effective use of remittances and earnings is necessary. 
 

5. International agreements and diplomacy efforts, such as the Global Compact for Migration and U.S.-Guatemala labour agreements, aim to strengthen legal pathways and economic opportunities for Guatemalan workers abroad.