Temporary and Circular Labour Migration (TCLM) Model

Overview

The Temporary and Circular Labour Migration (TCLM) program offered Colombians facing recurring natural disasters the opportunity to temporarily migrate to Catalonia to harvest fruit for up to nine months. An innovative aspect of the program was that it was oriented toward environmentally vulnerable communities in Colombia (communities affected by environmental disaster and rural populations whose crops are vulnerable to floods and other environmental disruptions). The program fell within the Spanish national temporary migration program, but it was tailored to better meet the needs of Catalonia.

Why was it started?

The program started as a response to Catalonia’s demand for seasonal workers. The goal was to fills gaps in the labor market without having to accept permanent migration. The program also aimed to legally regulate and manage labor migration flows to Spain, where the incidence of irregular migration was growing. Through remittances, participating migrants would also contribute to the economic welfare of their home communities.

How does it work?

The program was designed by the Unión de Pagesos (UP), the main agricultural trade union in Catalonia, which provided logistical assistance (selection of migrants, travel arrangements, visa procedures) and support for beneficiaries during their stay in Spain. The UP provided training courses for migrants, with the aim of increasing the development impact of the program in the country of origin. Other actors involved in implementation included local NGOs and local authorities, which provided support to the UP, especially in recruiting and screening workers.

What impact has it had?

According to an external evaluation, the program achieved most of its goals, filling labor shortages and enhancing development of communities in Colombia. Both agriculture employers and migrants expressed trust in the program. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Union, and the International Organization for Migration recognized the program as an innovative and viable way of regulating the flow of labor migrants and preventing irregular migration to Europe. Despite its success, the program was terminated after the economic crisis depressed employers’ labor needs.