Migration and Entrepreneurship: Building a Win-Win Model

Date:

By: Octavio de la Torre
President of Concanaco Servytur

The migratory phenomenon is a topic of global debate, with humanitarian and economic challenges that require comprehensive solutions. In this context, the role of the entrepreneur is crucial. Not only are they asked to offer employment and resources to support migrants, but they are also a key driver in turning this challenge into an economic opportunity. However, it is worth asking: who is helping entrepreneurs in this equation?

The Reality of the Business Community in the Face of the Migratory Phenomenon

Entrepreneurs face multiple challenges. From the regulatory frameworks that make it difficult to hire migrants, to the lack of financial and fiscal support to integrate this population into their businesses. It is common for both the government and international authorities to turn to entrepreneurs for collaboration, appealing to their social responsibility. But rarely is it considered what incentives or tools they need to fulfill this role.

Solutions that Benefit Everyone

Integrating entrepreneurs into the migration process should not only be a request for support, but an opportunity to build a model of mutual benefit. Here are some key actions to achieve this:

  1. Tax and Financial Incentives

Create programs that grant tax benefits to companies that hire migrants, such as reductions at IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) or Infonavit (Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para los Trabajadores) quotas. This will offset the initial costs of training and facilitate their inclusion in the formal market.

  1. Training and Employment

Develop programs that help companies identify suitable profiles among the migrant population and train workers for specific roles. The Labor Channeling Mechanism (Mecanismo de Canalización Laboral, Mecal) promoted by Concanaco (Confederación Nacional de Cámaras de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo) and IOM has already proven to be a good example of this approach.

  1. Access to Funds and Credits

Create specific lines of credit and financing for entrepreneurs who integrate migrants into their workforces. This will allow companies to invest in projects that leverage the diversity and experience of these workers.

  1. Recognition and Certification of Competencies

Facilitate the certification of migrants’ skills and competencies so that employers can be confident in their preparation, which will reduce the risks associated with hiring.

The Importance of Business Interest

To interest entrepreneurs, it is crucial to change the narrative: migration is not only a humanitarian issue, but also a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Companies that integrate migrants not only gain in cultural diversity, but also reduce labor turnover and strengthen their capacities to compete in international markets.

Who Helps Entrepreneurs?

It’s time for entrepreneurs to also get the support they need to play this essential role. The government and international institutions must recognize that investing in entrepreneurs is investing in the solution. Public-private collaboration should not be limited to unilateral demands; it must be a two-way commitment, where both sectors benefit.

A Model for the Future

Mexican entrepreneurs can be a global leader in the labor integration of migrants, transforming challenges into competitive advantages. But to achieve this, an approach that balances responsibilities with concrete supports is necessary. Ultimately, building a mutually beneficial model will strengthen not only migrants and entrepreneurs, but also Mexico as a benchmark for inclusion and sustainable development.

The question is no longer whether entrepreneurs should participate, but how we can ensure that their participation is sustainable, fair and beneficial for all. Because when entrepreneurs prosper, society as a whole prospers too.

The migratory phenomenon is not an abstract issue for the Mexican Chambers of Commerce; it is a reality that we live directly in our communities and our municipalities. While the authorities address this problem from a centralized and distant perspective, our affiliates face its effects immediately, in their businesses, cities and daily activities. For this reason, our organization, with its unique infrastructure in the country, is essential to transform the challenges of migration into development opportunities.

Infrastructure and Coverage: A Strategic Asset

With more than 250 headquarters and representation in more than 1,800 municipalities, including the entire northern border, the Chambers of Commerce are the only business organization in Mexico with this breadth of coverage. This scope allows us to understand the migratory phenomenon from its most local impacts and propose solutions adapted to the real needs of each region.

Our infrastructure can not only be a channel to ease activities and services aimed at migrants, but also to articulate job training programs, economic linkages and social development. From workshops and job fairs to socio-economic integration campaigns, we can be the bridge that connects migrants to productive and dignified opportunities.

Businessmen on the Front Line of the Migratory Phenomenon

While plans are designed from government desks, our members are the ones who face the challenges of the migration phenomenon in real time. Unfortunately, in many cases, the authorities develop strategies without integrating the chambers of commerce from the beginning, which are the ones that really have experience and representation in the most affected areas. It is common for us to be informed or asked for help only when the plans are already designed, leaving out our ability to provide practical knowledge and effective solutions.

A national plan that integrates the Chambers of Commerce from their conception would not only be more effective, but would guarantee the sustainability and positive impact of the actions. Our experience in business linkage, logistics coordination and economic development is an invaluable tool that should not be underestimated.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Taking advantage of the infrastructure of the Chambers of Commerce to integrate migrants is not only a benefit for them, but also for the affiliated companies. With the support of programs such as the Labor Channeling Mechanism (Mecal), promoted by Concanaco and IOM, we can implement initiatives that provide certification of skills, migratory regularization, and access to formal jobs.

In addition, the inclusion of the migrant workforce can strengthen local economies, reduce informality and bring new cultural and innovative perspectives to the business fabric. This approach is not only a humanitarian commitment, but also a smart economic strategy.

Towards a Real Public-Private Partnership

The migratory phenomenon must be addressed with genuine collaboration between the authorities and the Chambers of Commerce. This means designing policies and strategies together, from the beginning, and not just asking for support once the plans are already made. Integrating the chambers into a national plan is not an option; it is a necessity to ensure that solutions are practical, effective and sustainable.

The Chambers of Commerce are much more than observers or collaborators; We are key actors who live, understand and face the migratory phenomenon day by day. It is time to leverage our infrastructure, experience, and commitment to lead a comprehensive response and turn the challenge of migration into an engine of growth for Mexico.

Because when plans are built with those who live in reality, the results are not only better, but also transformative for the entire nation.

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