Guest-Worker Programs: One Possible Path out of Poverty

This paper examines how facilitating emigration through guest-worker programs can provide an effective pathway out of poverty for Haitians while also benefiting Haiti through remittances and circulation of human capital. In this work, theories of migration and development are applied to analyze the potential impacts of expanding opportunities for Haitians to temporarily work abroad. The paper argues that managed migration can accelerate development by increasing worker remittances that reduce household poverty and provide investment capital. Circular migration also encourages human capital development as workers gain new skills abroad they can apply upon return. However, possible unintended consequences such as visa overstays and income inequality are discussed. Overall, the analysis builds an evidence-based case that carefully designed guest-worker programs represent a promising policy option for poverty alleviation and growth in Haiti.