The project addresses one of Central America's most urgent humanitarian crises. In 2018, 195 790 migrants from the countries of the Northern Triangle of Central America were forced to return to their countries of origin, a 38.5% increase from the previous year. With the US government's stricter policy on illegal immigration and the end of temporary protected status for 195 000 Salvadorans, this number is expected to increase further in the coming years. This is compounded by the decline in remittances from the United States, which are vital to the survival of many families in El Salvador. As economic opportunities in their home countries are limited for those returning, many run the risk of engaging in criminal activities or trying to emigrate anew.
The project not only creates income opportunities for migrants in their home countries, but also contributes to the economic development of the region, as many returnees have acquired valuable skills abroad. These skills increase the competitiveness of existing businesses and enable migrated people to increase their income or become entrepreneurs themselves.
Phase 1 of the project began in 2018 with activities in El Salvador. In 2018 and 2019, the first activities were carried out in Guatemala and in the coming years, the project will also be implemented in Honduras.
Project progress 2018-2020
This project is financed by Green Leaves Education Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.