In an effort to promote development opportunities for returned and at-risk migrants, El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the private sector and the Municipality of La Libertad Costa, organized a job fair aimed at connecting participants with employment options and reintegration services.

Held at the Polideportivo del Puerto de La Libertad, the fair brought together a wide range of companies including Tigo, Movistar, Digicel, Helados Sarita, Puma gas station, Hotel Acantilados, La Buena pharmacy, INCO, PFD, the Salvadoran Hotel Association (ASH), La Factoría Ciudadana, Productos Diana, Walmart, Premium, Hanes Brands Inc, Ternova, Pepsi, Megapaca, farmacias Económicas and Kodigo. All expressed interest in hiring local talent.

The initiative is part of the “Transformando Vidas” program, which supports the reintegration of returned migrants through skills certification and employment linkage based on individual abilities. The Ministry’s Directorate for Human Mobility and Migrant Attention provides continuous guidance to ensure a successful reintegration process.

During the event, participants were also informed about services available through the Ministry, including access to seed capital, training programs, and technical certification.

Job seekers applied for positions in customer service, sales, security, hospitality, and cashiering. Gabriela Góchez, one of the applicants, shared her optimism about the initiative. “These job fairs offer young people the chance to secure stable employment. You can get a solid offer right on the spot,” she said.

Another participant, Anderson Ortiz, emphasized the value of local opportunities. “Many young people don’t dare go far for interviews. Most of the companies here are located near the municipality, which makes it easier for us to get hired,” he noted.