Since the start of 2023, nearly 415,000 Peruvians have left their country, twice as many as in 2019. Peru, long praised for its “economic miracle” and its financial stability, no longer seems to offer enough sufficient opportunities to retain its nationals. According to a recent opinion study, conducted by the Institute of Peruvian Studies, among 18-24 year olds, 6 out of 10 Peruvians are considering emigrating.
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With our correspondent in Lima, Juliette Chaignon
Samuel, 28, has started the process of leaving Peru. This engineer hopes to leave Lima, the capital, within a year: “ Here I didn’t have many opportunities to develop my career. And the pandemic has made it all even more difficult. I will find more opportunities in other countries. For example, I have a friend who works in Spain and he clearly sees the difference. »
Nearly one in two Peruvians plans to leave their country in the next three years. A rate up 11 points compared to last year, as Laura Amaya, responsible for the study, explains: “ There are of course economic reasons. We are experiencing a slowdown in the economy which is being felt in the wallets of Peruvians. However, we believe that a factor could also be insecurity and delinquency which are increasing in the country. »
3,200 people attempted to cross Darien last year
The country has also experienced rising unemployment and strong political instability for six years. The typical profile of those who migrate: young people living in the city and who wish to settle in the United States, Spain, Argentina or Chile. “ We risk seeing talents leave », warns Laura Amaya.
Last year, nearly 3,200 Peruvians – the number had never been so high – also attempted to cross Darien, a dangerous migration corridor.
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