Free movement of persons in the CARICOM region: A labour market analysis
- Free movement of skilled workers is a main driver of labor migration in CARICOM.
- Significant decent work deficits exist, with a large portion of employment being informal.
- Labor migration governance is hampered by a lack of coordination and information sharing.
- CARICOM region is particularly exposed to climate-related shocks, impacting labor markets.
- Remittances constitute a major financial inflow to the region.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of cross-border movement of persons within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region, supporting the development of a CARICOM Labour Migration Policy Framework aligned with the broader CARICOM Migration Policy Framework. The analysis, based on research conducted between January and July 2025, examines labor supply and demand, labor migration governance, and the implications of climate change and environmental risks on labor markets and mobility. It includes recommendations to improve productive and decent employment within the framework of a putative CARICOM Regional Labour Migration Policy Framework, overseen by a Project Steering Committee and guided by national liaison officers from CARICOM Member States.
How to cite
International Labour Organization (ILO), 2026, Free movement of persons in the CARICOM region: A labour market analysis, accessed via HaitiDocs, https://www.haitidocs.org/doc/ilo-2026-free-movement-persons-caricom