The minister of JobEddy Olivares, reported that the Dominican Republic continue consolidating as one of the economies with the least unemployment rate in Latin America, according to the most recent data from Labor Outlook 2025 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
According to ILO indicators, the unemployment rate of those who seek job in the country was around 4.9% last year, mainly motivated by the expansion of intensive sectors in employment such as services, construction and tourism.
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In this sense, it is highlighted that local unemployment is at a level lower than the regional average, estimated by the ILO at approximately 6%, which reflects the strength of the Dominican labor market and the effectiveness of public policies aimed at generating employment, according to a press release from the Ministry of Labor.
“The country has achieved, under the leadership of President Luis Abinadera sustained recovery of employment and today exhibits favorable labor indicators compared to the region. These results are the result of economic growth, social dialogue and a labor policy focused on people,” said Olivares.
Likewise, the official was confident that during the year 2026 the unemployment rate will be below 4.9%, reached for the first time in the year that just ended.
“As you can see, in terms of employment the Dominican Republic keep it up in the right direction. Our challenge now is to deepen the achievements achieved and ensure that the job growth translates into well-being and opportunities for all,” he highlighted.
Youth employment
On the other hand, the owner of Job stressed that in the 2026 he Ministry of Labor will focus on the youth employmentwhose unemployment rate exceeds the national average, as well as the need to continue advancing in the formalization of employment and the reduction of gender gaps.
“Our commitment is not only to create more jobs, but to ensure that they are decent jobs, formal and with access to social securityespecially for young people and women,” he said.
He reiterated that he will continue to promote intermediation programs employment, first job, training of young people in the place of jobtraining and strengthening of the inspection, in coordination with the private sector and the workerswith the aim of consolidating a more inclusive and sustainable labor market.
