In Colombia, migrants represent approximately 4% of the population, that is, around 2 million people. This heterogeneous group is made up mainly of Venezuelans, who make up 88% of the total, followed by migrants from Ecuador, Peru and the United States.
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Despite its diversity, The conditions of access to employment, health and education present significant challenges, especially for women and young people.
According to data from the Javeriana University, the migratory flow from Venezuela has transformed the demographic panorama of Colombia. More than 1.7 million Venezuelans have arrived in the country, with a balanced gender distribution: 51% are women and 49% men. This population is predominantly young and is in key productive stages.
(See more: They ask for integration and empathy for almost 3 million Venezuelan migrants in Colombia)
A quarter of Venezuelan migrants (25%) are between 19 and 28 years old, while the group between 29 and 38 years old represents 21%. However, 35% are under 18 years of age, which underlines the need for inclusive policies to guarantee their development.
In the workplace, Venezuelan migrants face great inequalities. Of the 950,000 who are part of the economically active population (EAP), only 17% have formal jobs. Furthermore, the gender gap is evident: while 60% of employed people are men, only 40% are women.
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This situation is worsened by an unemployment rate that affects 108,000 people, of which more than 65% are women. The educational levels of unemployed migrants show that 44% have completed secondary school and 12% have university studies, but the lack of revalidation of degrees and discrimination limit their access to quality jobs.
Migration
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Migration from other countries
Migration from Ecuador reflects a family phenomenon, with 24% of children under 9 years of age within this population. Of the 39% of Ecuadorians who are part of the PEA, 94% are employed. However, Ecuadorian women face greater barriers to accessing stable jobs and concentrate mainly on household and care activities.
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In the case of Peruvians, this group stands out for its high labor integration, with an employment rate of 99% among the EAP. Although 53% of employed people work informally, 83% have formal jobs, which marks a substantial difference compared to other migrant groups. The age distribution is homogeneous, with a significant proportion of workers over 49 years of age and children under 9 years of age.
American migrants have a different demographic profile, with 25% of adults over 60 years of age looking for a place to retire in Colombia. Although only 34% are part of the PEA, the occupancy rate reaches 99%. However, 64% of these workers are informally employed. Furthermore, 20% of this population is made up of children and adolescents between 10 and 18 years old.
(See: Cost, application date and other details of the visa to travel to the United Kingdom)
Migration
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Challenges and opportunities
The migration panorama in Colombia presents marked inequalities. While migrants from Peru, Ecuador and the United States achieve high levels of employment and labor integration, Venezuelans face higher unemployment rates and greater informality.
(See also: Anti-drug and migration policy, the axes of Petro’s letter sent to Trump)
This situation not only responds to economic factors, but also to dynamics of discrimination and xenophobia that perpetuate precarious working conditions.
Despite these challenges, The migrant population represents significant potential for the Colombian economy. Venezuelan migrants, predominantly young, can contribute to the labor market if inclusive policies are implemented that facilitate their integration.
(Read: Why do US companies want to bet more on Colombian workers?)
In additionthe work experience and educational training of groups like the Peruvians could be used to strengthen productive sectors.
