Harnessing Opportunities from Migration in Central America and the Dominican Republic : Synthesis Report (English)

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region is facing four massive, distinct yet related human mobility phenomena, and Central America connects them all. First, for decades LAC witnessed extensive mixed migration phenomena, especially Central America. Second, the Venezuelan exodus is increasingly relevant for Central American countries and the Dominican Republic. Third, Haitians are fleeing their country in alarming numbers following disasters, conflict outbreaks, extreme poverty, and political instability. Fourth, since 2015, extra-regional migratory flows have intensified. Migration from Central America and into the Dominican Republic is mixed, with migrants facing different types and degrees of vulnerability. The increasing numbers of refugees, migrants and forcibly displaced are posing major development challenges across countries of origin, transit, and especially in host countries in Central America. The World Bank and the United Nations are working together to develop a regional strategy for human mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean. The results of this work will help inform the operationalization of the 2023 World Development Report on Migration and Forced Displacement and the preparation of the World Bank regional strategy for the region. This synthesis report summarizes key findings and work done, presented in three volumes included as supplementary information. Volume 1 entails a stocktaking report of the existing knowledge base on the region's nature, drivers, and impacts of mixed migration. Volume 2 contributes to filling knowledge gaps identified in the report; Volume 3 documents efforts to strengthen existing regional platforms.