HOW TO FIND A JOB IN VENEZUELA
Venezuela is a truly spectacular country with an incredible amount of spectacular scenery, from the tropical Amazon basin to the stunning slopes of the Andes. The state is located in the northern part of South America, bordered by Guyana, Colombia and Brazil, and washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. Oil revenues make up almost all of the country's exports and most of its budget revenues, which is a major problem for the stable development of the state.
The sharp drop in the price of "black gold" in 2014 led to a worsening economic, social and political crisis in the country and forced the authorities to tighten state control over the economy, which limits the flow of foreign investment and has a negative impact on the labor market.
Despite everything, many foreigners are still considering options to move to this exotic state for employment. In particular, work in Venezuela for for foreigners may become quite a viable option to supplement the family budget, especially for specialists in the oil industry.
Below, let's look at the features of labor migration, options for finding a job, as well as available salaries and vacancies in Venezuela in 2024.
CONTENTS
Specifics of labor migration to Venezuela
Venezuela's population in 2024 is about 29.2 million people, of which up to 14.2 million is the labor force, and therefore competition for foreign workers. Moreover, labor migrants from neighboring countries and some regions of southern Europe are sent to the country. On the other hand, a large number of educated Venezuelans, especially oil workers, have emigrated to Canada and the United States. This opens up access to the Venezuelan labor market for skilled professionals from abroad.
Spanish is the official language in Venezuela, while English is common in business. This is especially important for employment in international companies. Jobs in Venezuela without knowledge of the language is almost inaccessible, at least English at a good level is necessary. Of great importance is the experience and qualifications of the foreigner. Take a high-paying position without proper education and skills is very difficult, rather unrealistic.
The economic crisis in Venezuela has forced many multinational companies, including American companies, to close branches and lay off employees. This creates additional difficulties for foreigners. Unemployment in Venezuela is around 8.5%, which is not too bad. Inflation in the country is fantastic. It is the only country in the world that has suffered from devastating hyperinflation for over 5 years.
Other serious problems include poor medicine, corruption, and crime, with pickpocketing in particular being prevalent. The country is experiencing food difficulties and the threat of active social protests is growing. This is the harsh reality, but it is extremely important to understand the current situation in the state. And even in this difficult time, foreign specialists find jobs in Venezuela and live quite comfortably.
The main task of a foreign job seeker is to find an employer willing to sign an employment contract with a foreigner. After the interview and discussion of the terms of the contract, the local company applies to the Ministry of Labor of Venezuela in order to obtain a work permit for the new employee. The document must be approved by the local Ministry of Interior and Justice. If everything is in order, the foreigner receives a work visa from the Venezuelan Consulate and prepares to move.
How to find a job in Venezuela
The lion's share of migrant workers get jobs in Venezuela as a result of a transfer within a company that has branches in that country. For example, a foreigner originally held a position in the U.S. or worked in Brazil, then management decided to send the employee to the Venezuelan office. This is an ideal option, which, unfortunately, is unlikely to be suitable for citizens from third countries.
In most cases, the work in Venezuela for applicants from abroad involves independent search for a job with the help of the Internet or connections. It is desirable to visit the country as a tourist, get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the local population, the rhythm of life, and perhaps even find a potential employer. Aim for the major cities, especially the capital, Caracas, but also Maracaibo, Puerto la Cruz, and Valencia, where the greatest number of jobs available to foreigners are concentrated.
Look for advertisements in well-known Venezuelan newspapers, such as El Universal. Contact employers directly. Join a professional social networking site, linkedin.com. Visit thematic forums and social networking groups. Be proactive and patient. Look carefully at the job sites that are available in Venezuela. Submit your resume and keep searching. As a last resort, use the services of a recruitment agency.
Popular job search sites in Venezuela
International job portals in Venezuela
Oil jobs in Venezuela – rigzone.com
Only work officially and approach the selection of a job in Venezuela very deliberately. Not all positions offered online are safe, and the risk of running into scammers is very high.
Salaries and jobs in Venezuela
During the reign of Hugo Chavez from 1999 to 2013, the poverty rate in Venezuela almost halved, but still remains between 30-32%. About 71% of Venezuelans work in agriculture, 22% work in industry and 7% work in agriculture. Excessive inflation makes it impossible to determine the real income of the locals as well as the exact exchange rate.
The official minimum wage in Venezuela since May 2020 was 400 thousand sovereign Venezuelan bolivars. By the way, back at the beginning of January 2019 the figure was 18 thousand. Since 2013, the authorities have raised the minimum wage almost 30 times. The conclusion is one – it is not worth contracting to work in Venezuela in local currency.
In general, qualified foreign specialists can earn $2,000 to $3,000 or more. If you take the available jobs in Venezuela in 2024, in the first place, it is the oil and gas sector and related areas. There is also a chance to get a job in the food, construction and mining industries. Sometimes English teachers and specialists in the tourism industry are needed.
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