Informal work is a reality that affects millions of Colombians and is characterized by the lack of formal employment contracts, limited access to social security, and precarious working conditions. Although many informal workers have academic training, difficulties in entering Colombia’s formal labor market force them to take on informal jobs. Factors such as high hiring and dismissal costs, combined with a lack of opportunities, perpetuate this phenomenon in the country.
The most common informal jobs in Colombia
Within the broad spectrum of informal work in Colombia, certain occupations predominate in cities and urban areas. Among them, the following stand out:
Car washers at traffic lights: It is common to see people offering this service at intersections in major cities. Armed with buckets, sponges, and soap, they approach vehicles at traffic lights to clean windshields in exchange for a tip.
Collectors of cans and garbage: Many informal workers collect recyclable materials such as cans, cardboard, and plastic to sell them to recycling centers. Although they contribute to waste reduction in cities, their work is poorly paid and lacks official recognition.
Street vendors: This group is perhaps the most visible within informal work in Colombia and includes different types of merchants:
- Fruit vendors: Found on streets and plazas, they offer fresh fruit, sometimes peeled and packaged, to passersby and workers.
- Food vendors: From arepas and empanadas to hot dogs and natural juices, street food sales are one of the most common forms of informal work.
- Convenience vendors: These include those who sell low-cost, high-demand products such as gum, cigarettes, cell phone accessories or even clothes.
Domestic Workers: Many people, especially women, work in domestic service without a formal contract or access to social benefits. Although they play a fundamental role in Colombian households, they often face long working hours and low wages.
Mototaxi Service: All across Colombia, especially in rural areas and municipalities where public transportation is limited, mototaxi service is both a mobility alternative and a source of income for thousands of people. Despite being an unregulated activity, it remains a popular transportation option, even in some of the country’s main cities.
A key sector
Informal work represents a high percentage of the Colombian economy. According to data from DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics), more than 40% of the employed population in the country is in the informal sector, meaning that millions of people work without labor protection or economic stability. This situation not only affects workers and their families but also limits the State’s ability to collect taxes and provide better public services.
Despite its challenges, informal work plays an essential role in the livelihood of many Colombian families. For those who cannot find opportunities in the formal market, this alternative allows them to generate income and sustain themselves financially. Additionally, the creativity and effort of informal workers have given rise to important economic dynamics in the country, fostering an entrepreneurial culture and providing access to essential products and services for the community.