Colombian President Ivan Duque is urging migrants to reconsider their decision to work in the United States, citing a thriving economy and job opportunities back home.
Colombia’s President Ivan Duque has appealed to his countrymen living and working in the United States to return home. In a statement, he emphasized that the current economic situation in Colombia presents numerous opportunities for employment.
Ivan Duque Márquez is a Colombian politician who served as the President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022.
He was born on August 1, 1976, in Medellín, Colombia.
Duque graduated from the University of Andes and later earned an MBA from the Universidad de los Andes.
Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer and consultant for various companies.
As President, Duque focused on economic growth, security, and social inclusion.
He implemented policies to attract foreign investment and reduce poverty.
The president pointed out that many of these migrant workers are taking jobs away from Colombian citizens who need them more urgently. He argued that by returning to their homeland, they can contribute to the country’s growth and development. Duque also highlighted the benefits of working in Colombia, including higher salaries and better living conditions.
Colombia offers a diverse range of economic opportunities, driven by its strategic location, natural resources, and growing services sector.
The country is rich in oil, coal, and gold reserves, making it an attractive destination for mining and energy investments.
Additionally, Colombia's free trade agreements with the US, EU, and other countries facilitate trade and investment flows.
The services sector, including tourism, finance, and logistics, also presents significant opportunities for growth.
He said, ‘We have many opportunities for employment in our country.’ The government has announced plans to create a special program to facilitate the return of these migrant workers. The initiative will provide financial assistance and job training to those who choose to come back to Colombia.
The Colombian government launched a nationwide job initiative to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
The program focuses on vocational training, entrepreneurship, and job placement services.
Over 50% of participants are young adults, with a majority being women.
According to official statistics, the initiative has created over 200,000 new jobs in the past two years, with a success rate of 70%.
The program's impact is expected to continue, with plans to expand services to rural areas and underserved communities.