The sampling of the University Institute of Public Opinion, of the José Simeón Cañas Central American University (UCA), released this week, found figures that ensure the economy is the main cause of migration in the country.

Seventeen percent of those consulted said their economic situation did not improve in 2023 because they did not find employment, while others attribute their precariousness to the need for an increase in the minimum wage, which is still not close, in the best of cases, to 400 dollars.

Twentyfive percent (of 1,280 respondents) want to migrate to another country in 2024, of this group 20 percent stated that it is due to the issue of unemployment, 71 percent to improve their family’s economy and the rest for other reasons. reasons.

The survey generally indicated that 17.3 percent considered unemployment as the second biggest problem facing El Salvador.

Of those interviewed about whether their economic situation changed in 2023, 53.6 percent said it remained the same, 18 responded that it was because they did not find a job and 4.8 percent did not benefit from an increase in the minimum wage.

El Salvador carried out its last salary increase in 2021 by 20 percent, which was reflected in 272.66 dollars for sugar cane collectors, 243.46 for agricultural workers, 359 for textile and clothing maquila employees, and 365 for those who work in the sectors of commerce, service, industry and mills.

The country has labor migration programs to the United States and Canada that benefit a tiny part of the population, since the majority goes illegally, especially to United States territory.

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