Migration as a Central Labor and Productivity Issue
Pedro Haces Barba, a leader of Morena in the Chamber of Deputies, has recognized that migration should be considered a central part of Mexico’s labor and productivity agenda, not just a social or humanitarian phenomenon. This comes as thousands of Mexican nationals return home for the holiday season.
Haces Barba highlighted that over 12 million Mexicans participate in the U.S. labor market, generating more than $63 billion annually in remittances. This makes migration one of the silent pillars of Mexico’s national economy.
The Challenge of Returning Migrants
With stricter migration policies and increased returns, Mexico faces a structural challenge. Haces Barba emphasized that the returning migrants should be seen as an opportunity for formal, productive, and well-paid employment. Between January 20 and December 17, 2025, there have been 145,537 repatriations, indicating that returning migrants pose a persistent challenge to Mexico’s labor market.
Focusing on Productive Sectors
To address this, Morena’s Haces Barba suggested focusing on sectors like advanced manufacturing, logistics, agroindustry with transformation, and technical and technological services. These sectors not only create jobs but also more stable and formal employment.
Recognizing Women’s Contribution
Haces Barba also called for acknowledging the value of women’s training and employment, as they are crucial for a more productive and competitive economy.
“Investing in women’s training and talent is not just a labor policy; it’s a direct investment in the country’s productivity and growth,” he stated.
Despite progress, over 55% of employment in Mexico remains informal, with millions of women facing greater barriers to formal employment, technical training, and strategic productive sectors.
“Women represent approximately 40.7% of Mexico’s labor force, a participation that has grown over time but still reflects significant gaps compared to men,” Haces Barba noted.
Challenges persist, including wage gaps and a heavier burden of unpaid work, limiting women’s full economic participation.
“Increasing women’s formal and skilled work is not just a social inclusion issue but a strategic economic decision. Various analyses agree that greater female labor participation strengthens productivity, expands available talent, and contributes to more sustainable growth,” Haces Barba concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue Morena’s Pedro Haces Barba is addressing? He emphasizes that migration should be considered a central part of Mexico’s labor and productivity agenda.
- How many Mexicans participate in the U.S. labor market, and how much do they contribute annually? Over 12 million Mexicans participate, generating more than $63 billion annually in remittances.
- What sectors should Mexico focus on for job creation? Morena suggests advanced manufacturing, logistics, agroindustry with transformation, and technical and technological services.
- Why is women’s training and employment crucial for Mexico’s economy? Investing in women’s training and talent directly contributes to the country’s productivity and growth.
- What challenges do women face in Mexico’s labor market? Despite growing participation, significant gaps remain compared to men, including informal employment and wage disparities.
