Fund in Action: Chile, Mexico

Capacity building of local governments in Santiago (Chile) and Mexico City (Mexico) to strengthen the socioeconomic integration of migrants and refugees through access to decent work, sustainable livelihoods, and social dialogue

Demand-driven skills training, Mexico. Photo: ©IOM

In the vibrant urban landscapes of Santiago and Mexico City, both cities confront complex migration dynamics, characterized by the challenges of integrating diverse migrant populations and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups in urban centres. The Joint Programme in Chile-Mexico aimed to strengthen socioeconomic integration of migrants and refugees by improving their access to decent work, sustainable livelihoods, and social protection.  

The Joint Programme reinforced existing institutional capacities, provided training, organized job fairs, and established fellowship programmes. In both countries, these initiatives were undertaken through collaborations with state institutions, civil society, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and networks of migrant and refugee workers and entrepreneurs. 

• The Migrant and Refugee Route in Chile and the Migrant and Refugee Resource Center in Mexico were established, serving as hubs for accessing various services. 

• 3,900 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers used labour mediation services; 1,200 accessed certification of labour competencies; and almost 300 received targeted entrepreneur services.  

Demand-driven skills training, Mexico. Photo: ©IOM

To address the needs of the specific workforce and the evolving job market, the Joint Programme implemented demand-driven skills trainings and certifications. Covering a wide range of topics from solar panel installation, to culinary arts, to computer programming, over 1,200 beneficiaries gained certification in labour competencies, with 94% expressing their satisfaction with the programmes. 

The Joint Programme has achieved notable advancements in promoting south-south and city-to-city exchanges, with a focus on enhancing social dialogue in urban areas. These initiatives have fostered spaces for dialogue among key actors, ultimately helping to expand opportunities for the socio-economic inclusion of migrants and refugees. 

• 19 stakeholders, including local government entities, worker unions, trade confederations, and civil society organizations have been informed of the relevant services available and are now delivering adequate services and advice to migrants and refugees.   

• 5 joint actions were organized between Santiago and Mexico City to exchange good practices for the socio-economic integration of migrants and refugees, including one regional exchange between cities in 5 different countries: Brazil (São Paulo), Colombia (Medellín), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Santiago, and Mexico City.