Integration, Counseling and Upskilling of Migrants and Refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean into the Labour Market

The project tackled the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to integrate migrants and refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) into receiving countries' labor markets. Research highlighted a rise in skilled migration from LAC, driven by the Venezuelan refugee crisis and tighter U.S. asylum policies under the Trump administration. The collapse of Venezuela's economy and prolonged political crisis caused approximately 4 million Venezuelans to flee, leading to a significant increase in asylum applications in Europe, especially Spain, which saw a nearly 50% rise last year. Spain and EFTA countries became primary destinations, with Venezuelans being the second-largest asylum-seeking group in Europe after Syrians. Despite the influx, few asylum seekers were accepted, posing integration challenges. Data suggested many migrants had secondary or higher education, yet there was a mismatch between their skills and available job opportunities. Most migrants pursued lower-skilled jobs, particularly in services, with high female participation in domestic roles. The project was guided by an analysis of the challenges, barriers, and opportunities LAC migrants face in labor market integration.

By implementing the project, our primary objective was to facilitate the integration of migrants into the labour market, recognizing its importance not only for their successful societal integration but also for the economies of Member States. The project sought to address the specific challenge of integrating migrants and refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) into the European labour market by fostering collaboration among experienced partners and academia and establishing a cooperative network among heavily impacted countries. To accomplish this goal, the project aimed to design and implement research-based educational training, as well as guidance and counselling programs tailored to refugees and migrants from LAC countries, empowering them to actively contribute to society. The training implementation was informed by a comprehensive analysis of the target group's needs. In the initial phase of the project, participating organisations conducted a comparative situation analysis utilising a combination of qualitative questioning and online focus groups. Additionally, the project's research and development activities were informed by an extensive literature review, with the aim of generating academic outputs.

The activities that have been implemented through the project framework had been the following: PR1: Research Report Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to identify key barriers hindering LAC migrants' and refugees' labor market integration in Europe. This report was developed through interviews with key stakeholders, including employment policymakers, NGO professionals, and migration academics. The URV partner designed data collection tools, performed comparative data analysis, and formulated conclusions. All partners actively contributed to data collection and interviews in their respective countries. The report, translated into all project languages, was disseminated at the LLTA1 in Tarragona and via our website. PR2: Best Practices and E-learning Portal To address the needs identified in the research report, the consortium developed seven training modules: M1: Gender Equality in the Labour Market; M2: Gender-Based Violence; M3: Soft Skills & Emotional Intelligence for Labour Market Integration; M4: Interviews, CV Writing, and Job Search; M5: Workers' Rights and Employment Conditions; M6: Inclusivity and Workplace Communication; M7: Cultural Adaptation and Decent Work. Two additional modules for employers focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and Employer Obligations. These modules provide valuable educational content for skills development and employment inclusion and are available in all partner languages on our website's e-learning space. In order to validate if the content was interesting by LAC Migrants we developed different pilot tests in each organization (one by organization or more), except in Belgium because their inavailavility to do them. PR3: Online Survey Research and Report A quantitative study collected primary data from migrants and refugees via an online survey with 55 questions on demographics, migration process, employment situation, and social/employment inclusion. Distributed to NGOs, the survey received responses from 422 migrants and refugees across consortium countries. The resulting report, translated into all partner languages, was published on our website and attatched to the Erasmus + results platform. PR4: Public Outreach Campaign The consortium developed 36 webinars (6 per partner) discussing LAC migrants' labor market inclusion with policymakers, researchers, professionals, and migrants. Some webinars were onsite with large attendance, while others were online-only. All webinars are available on the project’s YouTube channel. Additionally, four transnational project meetings (one every six months) facilitated collaboration and progress tracking, with four virtual meetings ensuring continuous communication. Two informative seminars raised public awareness about the project and its objectives. Two Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (LTTAs) were organized at partner's universities (URV & UPADOVA). The first LTTA enhanced project staff’s knowledge and skills, while the second targeted staff in organizations directly involved with the target group. These activities aimed to improve capacity and effectiveness in supporting the project's goals. An academic paper was produced to contribute to the field's body of knowledge. Four multiplier events in Spain, Italy, and Austria were developed to promote stakeholder engagement and collaboration, enhancing the project's visibility and impact. Two events were onsite and two online. Communication and Dissemination Acción Laboral developed the project’s dissemination strategy, including online and offline actions to raise awareness. A Facebook and LinkedIn account were created, with partners posting bi-monthly. Partners also engaged in radio talks and meetings with stakeholders to ensure project success. Academic Paper We are finalizing an academic paper on the concepts of work and decent work among LAC migrants and refugees, based on the R3 online survey with 435 participants. The analysis identified significant themes related to rights, contractual conditions, personal benefits, social/environmental impacts, and personal conditions for decent work. This paper is expected to be submitted to a peer-reviewed international journal on migration issues.

Results/outputs PR1: Comparative Research Report Output: A comprehensive report identifying key barriers to labor market integration for LAC migrants and refugees in partners' countries (Spain, Italy, Belgium and Austria). Details: The report, based on interviews with LAC migrants (mainly women), policymakers, NGO professionals, and migration academics, was translated into all project languages, disseminated at the LLTA1 in Tarragona and also via our website and social media. PR2: Best Practices and E-learning Portal Output: Seven training modules and two employer-focused modules. Details: Modules cover topics such as gender equality, soft skills, LAC workers' rights, and cultural adaptation. As well, they include two modules for raising awareness among companies to include diversity. These were also translated into all partner languages and published on our E-learning portal, providing valuable educational content for skills development and employment inclusion. PR3: Online Survey Research and Report Output: A report based on an online survey of 422 migrants and refugees. Details: The survey, distributed through NGOs, collected data on demographics, migration processes, employment situations, and social/employment inclusion. The comprehensive report, translated into all partner languages, was published on our website. PR4: Public Outreach Campaign Output: 36 webinars and four transnational project meetings. Details: The webinars involved discussions with policymakers, researchers, professionals, and migrants, and are currently available on the project’s YouTube channel. Four transnational meetings (TPM) (one every six months) facilitated collaboration and progress tracking, with additional virtual meetings ensuring continuous communication. We also carried out online meetings almost monthly. Informative Seminars and Multiplier Events: four events were carried on to create synergies among different stakeholders. The events were made in Spain (2), Austria and Italy. Multiplier events in Spain, Italy, and Austria provided platforms for stakeholder engagement and collaboration, enhancing project visibility and impact. (Toltal = 62 onsite and 63 online + Italy 83 onsite & Austria ?) Output: Two Learning Teaching and Training Activities (LTTAs) Details: Seminars aimed to raise public awareness about the project and stablish synergies among different stakeholders (academia, NGO's...). The LTTAs enhanced project staff's knowledge and skills, while targeted staff in organizations working directly with the target group, improving capacity and effectiveness in supporting the project's goals. We also did cultural activities in Tarragona and Italy and visited some organizations. Communication and Dissemination Output: Online presence and stakeholder engagement. Details: A Facebook and LinkedIn account with bi-monthly posts, radio talks, and meetings with stakeholders increased project awareness and engagement. Academic Paper Output: An academic paper on the concepts of work and decent work among LAC migrants and refugees. Details: Based on the R3 online survey, the paper analyzes significant themes related to rights, contractual conditions, personal benefits, social/environmental impacts, and personal conditions for decent work. It will be submitted to a peer-reviewed international journal on migration issues. Concrete Impacts Enhanced understanding of barriers to labor market integration for LAC migrants and refugees througt two comprehensive reports. Development of educational tools and resources for skills development and employment inclusion through a training course. Increased stakeholder and public awareness through webinars, seminars, and online engagement. Strengthened collaboration among project partners and stakeholders across multiple countries. Contribution to academic discourse on migration and labor market integration through research and publication.