Background and Relevance of the Speakers
The discussion on migrant labor policies in Mexico has gained traction with the involvement of key experts. Elí Cruz, the National Program and Political Liaison Officer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mexico, emphasized the need for coherent labor policies to reduce informality and prevent exploitation of migrants. Meanwhile, Francisco Fierro Sosa, Director of Human Rights at Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM), and Giovanni Lepri, UNHCR Representative in Mexico, highlighted the importance of recognizing migrants’ contributions and ensuring their active participation in public life, businesses, and the labor market.
Key Takeaways from the Book Presentation
During the presentation of the book “Migration: Social Well-being and Labor Inclusion,” Cruz stressed the transition from an assistentialist view to acknowledging the economic and social potential of migrants in Mexico. He urged governments to establish legal conditions, the private sector to create ethical hiring spaces, and international organizations to provide technical assistance.
Fierro Sosa praised the book for presenting a new paradigm, shifting from viewing migration as a burden to recognizing it as an opportunity for development. Lepri emphasized the importance of understanding migrants’ reasons for arriving in Mexico and implementing measures to make them active participants in public life, businesses, and the labor market.
Marcela Guerra Castillo, a PRI deputy and president of the Migration Affairs Commission, outlined four fundamental axes for Mexico’s migratory policy: education as an integration and prevention tool; labor reinsertion for social and economic integration; humanitarian attention and effective protection at borders and receiving communities; and human migratory governance based on rights, intersectional approach, and international cooperation.
Context and Impact
Mexico, as a country of origin, transit, destination, and return, along with internal displacement processes, requires coherent labor policies across various government levels to address informality and prevent migrant exploitation. With an estimated 90,000 potential contributors to the labor market, implementing these policies can significantly benefit both migrants and Mexican society.
Moreover, recognizing the causes of migration and integrating migrants into public life, businesses, and the labor market is crucial. Mexico has been a significant contributor to global migration, with over 100,000 asylum applications annually due to violence, persecution, and environmental, social, and economic threats.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of the discussion? The discussion centers around developing coherent labor policies for migrants in Mexico to reduce informality and prevent exploitation.
- Who are the key experts involved? Elí Cruz (IOM), Francisco Fierro Sosa (INM), Giovanni Lepri (UNHCR), and Marcela Guerra Castillo (PRI) are the main speakers advocating for migrant labor inclusion.
- Why is it important to shift from an assistentialist view? Recognizing migrants’ economic and social potential allows for better integration, reducing informality, and preventing exploitation.
- What are the four fundamental axes for Mexico’s migratory policy? Education as integration and prevention, labor reinsertion for social and economic integration, humanitarian attention and protection at borders, and human migratory governance based on rights and intersectional approach.
- Why is understanding migrants’ reasons for arrival important? Recognizing their motivations enables the implementation of measures to integrate migrants into public life, businesses, and the labor market.
