Context
Migration in Central America is changing: many people are staying in the region instead of going elsewhere. They are moving between countries in search of work and better living conditions.
At the same time, the region needs more workers in certain sectors, such as construction and agriculture. This is why regulated labour migration is becoming increasingly important. For countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica, this presents new challenges, but also opportunities. They can potentially fill vacancies and offer people better career prospects. To do so, they need to facilitate the movement of workers between their countries. This includes limited-term working models; for example for seasonal workers.
Objective
The national and regional conditions for regular labour migration have improved significantly, as governmental and non-governmental institutions cooperate more effectively, agree clear rules with each other and use existing structures more efficiently.
Approach
The project improves cooperation between public authorities, civil society and the private sector, so that they no longer work in isolation and can make better use of the limited resources. As part of this, it supports countries in expanding regional and intergovernmental coordination and management, developing cross-sectoral strategies and trialling them through specific measures.
These activities ensure that migration is safer and better regulated and that migrants are treated more decently. At the same time, they foster economic and social development in the region.
Last update: August 2026