Costa Rica: IOM presents labor market research study for the border canton of Upala

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Costa Rica conducted a labor survey in the canton of Upala, located on the border with Nicaragua. The process had the support of the municipality of the canton and sought to generate inputs that would enable a connection between employers and people seeking work in the area.

Among the main conclusions was the need to diversify agricultural production, since the people interviewed identified an excess of competition in their own communities. On the other hand, they identified the great potential of the canton to develop sustainable tourism as a source of income. They also pointed to the need to improve population’s skills and the rate of formal employment.  

The study was carried out between the months of August and September. The research team approached representatives of the various economic groups in the area in order to systematize their human resource needs. "This study presents a mapping of the possibilities of labor integration and economic development for the canton, so the IOM hopes to continue supporting the municipality in the implementation of follow-up actions," said Isis Orozco of IOM.

As part of the study, a series of local businesses with at least 15 migrants each were selected to carry out a more detailed diagnosis to identify development opportunities. Its results will be a very useful tool to support the labor insertion of currently unemployed people.  

This study was developed in the framework of the Western Hemisphere Program, financed by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.