Venezuelan Migrants Contribute $900 Million to Ecuador’s Economy

Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador have injected an estimated $900 million each year into the country’s economy, according to a new study released by the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) on September 16, 2025. The report highlights the significant economic impact of the nearly 441,000 Venezuelans currently residing in Ecuador, a country that has become a major destination for those fleeing Venezuela’s ongoing crisis.

Economic Impact and Demographics

The IOM study underscores that more than 70 percent of Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador are of working age, between 18 and 39 years old, and possess educational levels comparable to the local population. Despite these qualifications, the majority remain in informal employment, with only 30 percent working in their field of expertise. This underutilization of skills limits their full economic potential, yet their overall contribution remains substantial, supporting growth and development in Ecuador’s labor market and consumer sectors.

Barriers and Vulnerabilities

While the economic benefits are clear, the report also draws attention to persistent vulnerabilities faced by Venezuelan migrants. Approximately two-thirds are employed informally, often in precarious conditions, and women are particularly affected—nearly 70 percent of Venezuelan migrant women work in the informal sector and earn less than the minimum monthly wage. These challenges highlight the need for improved access to formal employment and social protections to maximize both migrant well-being and their positive impact on the host economy.

Policy Implications and Regional Context

Kristina Mejo, IOM Ecuador Chief of Mission, emphasized that the evidence demonstrates how migrants, when given access to rights and opportunities, can contribute substantially to their host societies. The findings come as Ecuador and other Latin American countries continue to grapple with the integration of millions of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The IOM and other international organizations are urging governments to address barriers to formal employment and recognize the economic and social value that migrants bring.

The report’s release has prompted renewed calls from local and international stakeholders for policies that facilitate the integration of migrants into the formal economy, ensuring that both migrants and host communities can benefit from the opportunities migration presents.