ABC, TELECINCO (Spain)
QUITO – It’s the latest sign of a global economy turned on its head.
Ecuador, in search of qualified workers to fuel the economy, is actively trying to lure its nationals back home from Spain, which is mired in Europe’s ongoing debt crisis, reports Madrid-based daily ABC.
The Ecuadorian government has announced an offer of 20,000 jobs reserved specifically for its citizens who have emigrated to Spain. The agreement is part of the “Welcome Back Home Plan,” spearheaded by Lorena Escudero, the country’s minister for migration policies.
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Ecuadorian coat of arms
The initiative is one of many by the South American nation of 15 million to improve access to employment and provide training for migrants who want to come back. Ecuadorians can register on an online portal called “Red Socio Empleo” (Socio-job Network), under the heading for “Spain Migrants”, fill a questionnaire and opt for one of 20,000 vacancies.
The Spanish Government will cooperate with Ecuador by issuing certificates to verify the migrant’s skills and expertise. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Labor Relations will help facilitate access to selection processes in private and public institutions in Ecuador.
According to Telecinco, by April 26th, 40,000 Ecuadorians have already returned home due to the Plan. The government of Ecuador’s plans are for another 50,000 to do so.
Ecuadorians are the second largest immigrant group in Spain with 262,223 people after Moroccans.