Quito, Ecuador – April 30, 2026 – In a significant stride towards fostering economic inclusion and self-sufficiency, HIAS Ecuador, in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), is spearheading a comprehensive employability program designed to connect refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons with meaningful employment opportunities. The initiative, a cornerstone of HIAS’s broader mission to support vulnerable populations, addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in a new country.
The core of this endeavor was recently highlighted by the successful "Conectando Talentos con Oportunidades" (Connecting Talents with Opportunities) job fair, held on March 20, 2026, in Quito. This event served as a pivotal platform, bringing together a diverse pool of job seekers and prospective employers, thereby bridging the gap between talent and demand in the Ecuadorian labor market. The initiative recognizes that for many, the journey to safety is often accompanied by the loss of professional credentials and a complete upheaval of their former lives, necessitating a structured approach to reintegration.
The Mounting Humanitarian Challenge in Ecuador
Ecuador currently faces a complex humanitarian landscape, grappling with a significant influx of individuals in need of assistance. According to UNHCR data, over 470,000 people require humanitarian aid within the country, including more than 39,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Compounding this challenge, escalating gang violence over the past two years has led to the internal displacement of an estimated 300,000 Ecuadorians. This confluence of factors underscores the critical need for robust support systems that enable vulnerable populations to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities. HIAS has been a steadfast presence in Ecuador since 2003, working collaboratively with host communities to welcome newcomers and champion economic empowerment.
A Pathway to Dignified Employment
The HIAS Ecuador employability program operates on the principle of mutual benefit, aiming not only to assist job seekers but also to educate and engage employers. For individuals like Victoria, a refugee who found solace in Ecuador, the initial transition was arduous. "Adapting to a new country is not easy," Victoria shared, reflecting on her early struggles. "But thank God, after a long time and thanks to HIAS’s assistance, opportunities opened up for me to help my family and myself."
Victoria’s journey exemplifies the program’s efficacy. After joining HIAS Ecuador’s employability initiative, she received tailored coaching that helped her navigate cultural differences and prepare for the job market. This comprehensive support extended to resume building, interview preparation, and an understanding of local labor laws and immigrant worker rights. The program’s structured approach, which includes specialized training from economic empowerment specialists and psychologists, equips participants with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. Victoria was ultimately hired by S4 Learning, an educational company in Quito, a testament to the program’s success in matching skills with opportunities. "It has been an enriching experience; the training, counseling, and follow-up," she stated. "All of this has allowed me to improve, without a doubt, learning more about labor laws, opportunities, and the rights we have as immigrant workers within a country."
Addressing Systemic Barriers and Fostering Inclusion
The program’s impact is amplified by its commitment to addressing systemic barriers that often hinder refugees and displaced persons from securing employment. Rosielis, who arrived in Ecuador seeking safety after years of professional experience and holding a degree in Industrial Relations, faced significant hurdles, including age discrimination and a lack of local references. HIAS Ecuador provided her with job-specific training tailored to the Ecuadorian context and acted as a crucial reference, vouching for her work ethic. Today, Rosielis is employed as a pharmacy assistant in Machala, a role that has provided her with financial stability and a sense of belonging. "The information received in the different sessions was invaluable," Rosielis remarked. "As a foreigner, you know how things work in your country, but not in your host country. The workshops were always very dynamic, and the support and guidance from the staff were timely throughout the entire process."
Alexander Guamán, HIAS Ecuador’s Psychosocial Counselor in Quito, emphasized the program’s role in leveraging the latent potential within the refugee and displaced population. "It is an opportunity to strengthen talent and competitiveness in organizations," he stated. "We are talking about the labor reintegration of highly capable people with top-level skills who bring a diversity of experiences, resilience, and a strong motivation to get ahead." This perspective highlights the value that newcomers bring, transforming potential challenges into organizational assets.
Employer Engagement and Mutual Benefits
HIAS Ecuador’s approach extends beyond assisting job seekers; it actively engages with employers to foster inclusive hiring practices. The organization provides training to companies on the benefits of employing refugees and displaced persons, helping them understand the diverse skill sets and dedication these individuals bring. By connecting employers with a pre-screened, qualified labor force, HIAS mitigates turnover and contributes to economic growth within local businesses.
Carla Sofía Barrionuevo, Human Resources Leader at S4 Learning, where Victoria is employed, noted the positive impact of HIAS’s involvement. "HIAS has helped us to have more conscious and inclusive processes," she said. "We have managed to implement concrete actions such as training, awareness, and hiring… Diversity is not a challenge; it is a great advantage." This sentiment underscores the organizational benefits derived from embracing diversity, including enhanced innovation and problem-solving capabilities.
Similarly, Maytee Muñóz Ulloa, a recruitment executive at Mia Pharmacies, which hired Rosielis, highlighted the efficiency gains from partnering with HIAS. "Working with HIAS helped the company cut down on recruitment times as qualified candidates were already pre-screened and ready to work," she explained. Employees like Rosielis have significantly contributed to the organization’s success during a period of expansion. "They also enrich the organizational culture with a diversity of experiences and perspectives," Muñóz Ulloa added, reinforcing the notion that diversity is a powerful driver of organizational strength.
Long-Term Implications and Sustained Support
The overarching goal of HIAS Ecuador’s employability program is to ensure that refugees, migrants, and vulnerable local Ecuadorians gain access to safe and sustainable income. This is crucial in protecting them from exploitation, as many displaced individuals may lack the knowledge of local laws and processes, making them susceptible to unfair labor practices. By facilitating access to decent work, HIAS empowers individuals to achieve financial security, rebuild their lives, and provide stability and peace of mind for their families.
Juan Romero, HIAS Ecuador’s Economic Empowerment Advisor, underscored the program’s transformative power. "These activities make it possible to close the existing gap for migrants and refugees to find decent work," he commented. "Through employment, people have been able to rebuild their lives and provide stability and peace of mind for their families."
The stories of Victoria and Rosielis are powerful testaments to the program’s success, illustrating how stable employment not only provides for their families but also fosters a profound sense of support and belonging during their integration journeys. "Throughout the process, I felt very accompanied, I was never alone," Victoria concluded. "Honestly, it has been a very beautiful experience that has helped not only me but many people of different nationalities." As HIAS Ecuador continues its vital work, the employability program stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with targeted support and collaborative partnerships, even the most displaced individuals can find pathways to dignified livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their new homes.
