OIM - Migration Governance Indicators Data on the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration

MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL

COMPACT FOR MIGRATION IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN MGIThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. ____________________________________________ Publisher: International Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons P.O. Box 17 1211 Geneva 19

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ISBN 978-92-9268-861-5 (PDF)

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PUB2024/071/ELMIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL

COMPACT FOR MIGRATION IN LATIN AMERICA

AND THE CARIBBEAN MGIiii MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION

IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN CONTENTS List of figures and text box...................................................................................................................................v Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ix Summary of results ................................................................................................................................................xi The Latin America and the Caribbean region in context: key migration trends ...................................xv Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) data bulletins on the 23 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration objectives ........................................................................................1 Global Compact for Migration Objective 1 Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies ................3 Global Compact for Migration Objective 2 Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin ....................................................................................................................................4 Global Compact for Migration Objective 3 Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration ...............................................................5 Global Compact for Migration Objective 4 Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation ...............................6 Global Compact for Migration Objective 5 Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration ...........................................................7 Global Compact for Migration Objective 6 Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work ......................8 Global Compact for Migration Objective 7

Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation ...............................6 Global Compact for Migration Objective 5 Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration ...........................................................7 Global Compact for Migration Objective 6 Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work ......................8 Global Compact for Migration Objective 7 Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration .....................................................................................................9 Global Compact for Migration Objective 8 Save lives and establish coordinated international efforts on missing migrants ......................................10 Global Compact for Migration Objective 9 Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants .................................................................11 Global Compact for Migration Objective 10 Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration ........12 Global Compact for Migration Objective 11 Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner ............................................................13 Global Compact for Migration Objective 12 Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral ..................................................................................................................................................14iv

CONTENTS

Global Compact for Migration Objective 13 Use immigration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives ..............15 Global Compact for Migration Objective 14 Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle ............16 Global Compact for Migration Objective 15 Provide access to basic services for migrants ........................................................................................................17 Global Compact for Migration Objective 16 Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion ........................................18 Global Compact for Migration Objective 17 Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration ...........................................................................................19 Global Compact for Migration Objective 18 Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences ...................................................................................................................................20 Global Compact for Migration Objective 19 Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries ...........................................................................................................21 Global Compact for Migration Objective 20 Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants ..........................................................................................................................22 Global Compact for Migration Objective 21 Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration ............................................................................................................................23 Global Compact for Migration Objective 22

Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants ..........................................................................................................................22 Global Compact for Migration Objective 21 Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration ............................................................................................................................23 Global Compact for Migration Objective 22 Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits ............24 Global Compact for Migration Objective 23 Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration .....................................................................................................................25 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................................................................26 Annexes ..................................................................................................................................................................27

1. Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................................27

2. List of 28 MGI Latin American and Caribbean countries, by subregion according to the United Nations Statistics Division classification ......................................................................................29

Bibliography ...........................................................................................................................................................31v MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN LIST OF FIGURES AND TEXT BOX The Latin America and the Caribbean region in context: key migration trends Figure 1. Migrant population from and to LAC countries, 1990–2020 (in millions) ...........................xv Figure 2. Subregions of destination of international migrants to LAC countries as of mid-2020 ................................................................................................................................................xv Figure 3. Destination of emigrants from LAC countries as of mid-2020 ................................................xvi T ext box 1. World Migration Report: selected trends in the LAC region ..............................................xvi Global Compact for Migration Objective 1 Figure 1. Countries regularly collecting accurate and disaggregated migration data ..............................3 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ...................................................................................................3 Global Compact for Migration Objective 2 Figure 1. Countries with measures to minimize adverse drivers of migration ..........................................4 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ...................................................................................................4 Global Compact for Migration Objective 3 Figure 1. Countries with measures to provide timely information ................................................................5 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ....................................................................................................5 Global Compact for Migration Objective 4

Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ...................................................................................................4 Global Compact for Migration Objective 3 Figure 1. Countries with measures to provide timely information ................................................................5 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ....................................................................................................5 Global Compact for Migration Objective 4 Figure 1. Countries keeping records of their nationals living abroad ............................................................6 Figure 2. Prioritization of keeping records of nationals abroad in MGI LAC countries ........................6 Global Compact for Migration Objective 5 Figure 1. Countries with measures to enhance the availability of pathways for regular migration ......7 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ....................................................................................................7 Global Compact for Migration Objective 6 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate ethical recruitment and combat labour exploitation ..........................................................................................................................8 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ....................................................................................................8 Global Compact for Migration Objective 7 Figure 1. Countries with measures to address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration ........................9 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ....................................................................................................9 Global Compact for Migration Objective 8 Figure 1. Countries with measures to trace and identify missing migrants ..............................................10 Figure 2. Prioritization of policies to trace and identify missing migrants in MGI LAC countries ...........10 Global Compact for Migration Objective 9 Figure 1. Countries with formal cooperation agreements to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants ....................................................................................................................................11 Figure 2. Prioritization of international anti-smuggling cooperation agreements in MGI LAC countries ...................................................................................................................................11vi

LIST OF FIGURES AND TEXT BOX

Global Compact for Migration Objective 10 Figure 1. Countries with measures to combat and eradicate trafficking in persons ............................12 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................12 Global Compact for Migration Objective 11 Figure 1. Countries with measures to manage borders in an integrated manner .................................13 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................13 Global Compact for Migration Objective 12 Figure 1. Countries with clear migration rules and visa application processes .......................................14 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................14 Global Compact for Migration Objective 13

Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................13 Global Compact for Migration Objective 12 Figure 1. Countries with clear migration rules and visa application processes .......................................14 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................14 Global Compact for Migration Objective 13 Figure 1. Countries making efforts to provide alternatives to migrant detention .................................15 Figure 2. Prioritization of alternatives to detention in MGI LAC countries .............................................15 Global Compact for Migration Objective 14 Figure 1. Countries with measures to assist nationals abroad .......................................................................16 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................16 Global Compact for Migration Objective 15 Figure 1. Countries with regulations granting all migrants access to government-funded basic services .....................................................................................................................................................17 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................17 Global Compact for Migration Objective 16 Figure 1. Countries with measures to promote social cohesion ..................................................................18 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................18 Global Compact for Migration Objective 17 Figure 1. Countries with policies to combat discrimination against migrants .........................................19 Figure 2. Prioritization of policies to combat discrimination against migrants in MGI LAC countries ...................................................................................................................................19 Global Compact for Migration Objective 18 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate the mutual recognition of qualifications ..................20 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................20 Global Compact for Migration Objective 19 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate diasporas’ contributions to their country of origin .............................................................................................................................21 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................21 Global Compact for Migration Objective 20 Figure 1. Countries with measures to promote formal remittance schemes and the financial inclusion of migrants ...................................................................................................22 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................22vii MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION

IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Global Compact for Migration Objective 21 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate safe return and promote sustainable

MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION

IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Global Compact for Migration Objective 21 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate safe return and promote sustainable reintegration ......................................................................................................................................................23 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................23 Global Compact for Migration Objective 22 Figure 1. Countries with measures to facilitate access to social security and the portability of benefits ...................................................................................................................24 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................24 Global Compact for Migration Objective 23 Figure 1. Countries cooperating internationally ...................................................................................................25 Figure 2. Policy priorities in MGI LAC countries ..................................................................................................25viii CONTENTS Bogota’s Mayoral Office runs this Orientation and Assistance Point in Bogota’s bus station where humanitarian partners like IOM offer services to Venezuelan refugees and migrants. IOM implements its Displacement Tracking Matrix to track movement and respond to the needs and vulnerabilities of refugees and migrants. The Organization works alongside partner organizations to connect people to the services they need, including shelter, humanitarian transport within Colombia, emergency kits or health services. © IOM 2019/Muse MOHAMMEDix MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN The 2024 Regional Review in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) provides Member States and stakeholders an opportunity to assess their progress in implementing the objectives and principles of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. This publication provides insights into how Member States from the LAC region are implementing each of the 23 Global Compact objectives, serving as a benchmark for policy discussions at the Intergovernmental Conference in Santiago de Chile, in March 2025. Drawing on data from the Migration Governance Indicators (MGIs) – IOM’s flagship initiative on migration governance – this regional policy brief highlights key trends in migration governance across 28 countries that are members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). 1 The

Migration Governance Indicators (MGIs) – IOM’s flagship initiative on migration governance – this regional policy brief highlights key trends in migration governance across 28 countries that are members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). 1 The analysis compares these trends to global benchmarks, breaks them down at the subregional level, highlights possible policy responses and illustrates how LAC countries have implemented these in different contexts through more than 50 selected examples. The Intergovernmental Conference will review regional progress and challenges while aiming to strengthen connections between the Global Compact for Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The MGI programme stands out as a unique data source for this review due to its alignment with these international frameworks: The MGI methodology is grounded in target 10.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and there is a direct correspondence between the MGI indicators and the 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Migration (IOM, 2022a). The MGIs further serve to advance Member States’ coordination (through the framework of the Global Compact) as they identify challenges faced by countries regionally and/or globally as well as common practices to address them. 1 They represent 85 per cent of the 33 ECLAC members within the region included in the 2024 Regional Review. This excludes extraregional ECLAC members. The 28 countries are listed in Annex 2. INTRODUCTION Establish a national baseline on migration-related policies and gaps, as they pertain to the Global Compact objectives. Identify gaps and support the development of a national implementation plan that identifies clear policy priorities and concrete actions, including pertaining to the Global Compact. Track progress over time and have follow-up assessments that enable constructive dialogue with other countries, also pertaining to Global Compact commitments. T est hypotheses about the relationship between migration governance and specific policy outcomes. The MGIs can help countries to achieve the following:x INTRODUCTION Effective implementation of the Global Compact for Migration requires robust research, analysis and

enable constructive dialogue with other countries, also pertaining to Global Compact commitments. T est hypotheses about the relationship between migration governance and specific policy outcomes. The MGIs can help countries to achieve the following:x INTRODUCTION Effective implementation of the Global Compact for Migration requires robust research, analysis and data-collection capacities to support evidence-based policymaking and informed public discourse (ibid.). The IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 (2024a) also recognizes the importance of data and evidence in delivering on the promise of migration by supporting the world’s most vulnerable. Countries can use the insights from this brief to learn from each other, for example, by opening communication channels to address common challenges and identify shared opportunities. These results set the stage to further develop migration governance structures and offer an evidence base for formulating recommendations for the next International Migration Review Forum in 2026. Furthermore, the upcoming Global Compact for Migration Regional Review in the LAC region presents an opportunity to assess regional progress, with the MGI data included in this brief serving as a crucial tool for understanding how LAC countries are moving towards the targets established by the Global Compact for Migration. Through voluntary participation and ongoing engagement, IOM has supported Member States in addressing gaps identified through MGI assessments. Government endorsement of the MGI results establishes it as a key data source for policy development, fund mobilization and reporting on achievements in alignment with international frameworks (IOM, 2022a). The MGIs, together with other IOM tools and United Nations Network on Migration resources, provide a clear starting point for policymakers to establish a road map for policy development and change.xi MIGRATION GOVERNANCE INDICATORS DATA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR MIGRATION

IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

• Fewer than half (43%) of MGI LAC countries collect sex-disaggregated migration data at regular intervals. • While 61 per cent of LAC countries highlighted monitoring the demand for international workers as a policy priority during their MGI assessments, very few collect these data.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

• Fewer than half (43%) of MGI LAC countries collect sex-disaggregated migration data at regular intervals. • While 61 per cent of LAC countries highlighted monitoring the demand for international workers as a policy priority during their MGI assessments, very few collect these data. • Over one fifth (21%) of MGI LAC countries incorporate human mobility considerations into their climate-related policies. • Nearly half (46%) of MGI LAC countries in the region identified mainstreaming displacement into their disaster risk reduction strategy as a policy priority. • Most MGI LAC countries (93%) have established systems for the public to receive information and communicate their needs during crises. • However, only 14 per cent of these systems address the specific vulnerabilities faced by migrants. • Three quarters of MGI LAC countries maintain records of their citizens living abroad. • They often rely on voluntary reporting from nationals. • Most MGI LAC countries (89%) cooperate to facilitate labour mobility through formal bilateral labour agreements. • Fewer than half of MGI LAC countries (43%) grant family reunification for all regular migrants. • Fewer than one third (29%) of MGI LAC countries actively promote the ethical recruitment of migrant workers, while 44 per cent have measures to combat labour exploitation. • Close to half of MGI LAC countries identified promoting fair recruitment practices (46%) and ensuring decent working conditions (48%) as policy priorities.xii SUMMARY OF RESULTS • In the LAC region, 30 per cent of MGI countries have implemented measures to trace and identify missing migrants, including by establishing formal cooperation agreements with other countries. • As part of their MGI assessments, close to half (41%) of LAC countries highlighted the importance of developing policies to trace and identify missing migrants. • Close to two thirds (63%) of MGI LAC countries participate in agreements with provisions on preventing and countering smuggling. • These provisions are often part of bilateral agreements covering a range of migration-related topics, including smuggling.

the importance of developing policies to trace and identify missing migrants. • Close to two thirds (63%) of MGI LAC countries participate in agreements with provisions on preventing and countering smuggling. • These provisions are often part of bilateral agreements covering a range of migration-related topics, including smuggling. • While most MGI LAC countries (86%) have an anti-trafficking strategy, fewer than half (43%) regularly collect and publish information on anti-trafficking activities. • Developing a strategy to combat human trafficking in the context of international migration was identified as a policy priority by 79 per cent of MGI LAC countries. • Almost all (93%) MGI LAC countries have dedicated institutions for integrated border control and security, and 61 per cent regularly train their border staff. • In countries without such institutions, bord