El Salvador Launches the Web Portal of the Labor Market Information System (SIMEL)

Montevideo, December 3, 2021.

The SIMEL web portal is an interactive interface that allows users to consult and share information about the labor market in El Salvador through different types of analytical products, including news, infographics, links of interest, and studies and reports on various labor market topics. This information will assist social actors in managing employment policies to improve the labor conditions of Salvadorans.

Migration is linked to various causes, including lack of work and opportunities in the country of origin, insecurity, socioeconomic problems, improving quality of life, and the pursuit of individual and family development. According to the report "Labor Market Information Systems in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras: Toward Greater Integration of Labor Migration" (2019), approximately 30% of the Salvadoran population has emigrated in the past 30 years, mainly due to economic factors, insecurity, and family reunification.

Within this context, and under the implementation of the Labor Market Information System (SIMEL), the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MTPS) of El Salvador, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in El Salvador, presented the new SIMEL web portal, an interface that allows Salvadorans and other social actors to access labor market information through various analytical products, aiding the implementation of policies and programs to improve labor conditions in the country.

The design and implementation of the interactive interface to disseminate SIMEL products was carried out with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Regional Migration Program (WHP) for the MTPS. The Labor Market Intelligence Unit (UIMEL) will continue to host and maintain this portal. Additionally, the interface includes a link to the .STAT platform, provided to the MTPS by the ILO, which hosts key labor market indicators through the transferred platform.

During the launch event, Mr. Nicola Graviano, Head of Mission of IOM in El Salvador, stated: "…From IOM we understand that labor issues are among the main concerns that must be addressed tirelessly at all levels (…) SIMEL will respond to factors driving migration. Moreover, it will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for the 2030 Agenda and help strengthen institutional capacities to design, coordinate, and implement policies and strategies…"

About the Technological Solution

Sofis Solutions was responsible for providing the consultancy "Technical Assistance for the Design and Implementation of the Interactive Interface to Disseminate SIMEL Products". The portal complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at AA level, ensuring accessible navigation and reducing information barriers. The consultancy was carried out in three phases:

• The first phase consisted of requirements analysis, including two Discovery Sessions to identify opportunities in the product design and development.
• The second phase involved the design of the virtual interface, and
• The final phase focused on implementation, including training of personnel assigned to manage the interface.

MSc. Diana Contreras, Head of the Labor Market Intelligence Unit at MTPS, highlighted: "Thanks to the support of Sofis Solutions, El Salvador and the Ministry of Labor now have a website for the Labor Market Information System, which allows users to access interactive labor market information with a variety of products and engaging tools. It has been an honor to work with such a highly skilled team as Sofis Solutions, and we thank them for the development of this web portal."

The SIMEL interface specifically contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth of the 2030 Agenda, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Decent work provides individuals with opportunities to engage in productive activities, earn fair income, and ensure workplace safety and social protection for their families.

This new portal also supports open data access nationwide, with contributions from institutions such as the General Directorate of Statistics and Censuses (DIGESTYC), Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS), Central Reserve Bank (BCR), National Institute for Professional Training (INSAFORP), National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), among others.