Origin-Country Credential Recognition Policies and Employment Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Migrants in the Colombian Caribbean

This study examined educational credential recognition effects on labor market outcomes for migrants in Colombia’s Caribbean region. Analyzing data from 782 migrants across three cities using multinomial regression, Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition, and spatial econometrics, findings showed credential recognition increased formal employment probability by 28.4 percentage points while decreasing informal employment by 31.9 percentage points. Women faced greater challenges but benefited more from recognition. Urban centers showed stronger credential recognition effects than border areas, with positive regional spillovers from areas with strong validation programs.