A refugee from Honduras, Josué arrived seven months ago in Mexico with no access to a bank.
But, thanks to Banorte’s participation in the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) Integration Program, he has begun new life in Monterrey, where he now works at a convenience store.
As part of that, Banorte offers its digital services so refugees can access online banking services quickly and securely, opening doors for job growth as well as other UNHCR programs, including education, training and housing.
Josué, has touted his experience, using the program to help find a job and establish roots in a new homeland.
“It’s a change because when you arrive in a new country, you don’t know which documentations you are going to need,” he said. “After conversations with Banorte, it was very easy for me to open the application and open a bank account.”
Banorte is the largest Mexican financial institution in the country to offer a digital banking account under the UN program, which began May to promote financial inclusion for refugees in Mexico as they seek a better quality of life.
“We are dedicated to ensuring those seeking a new life can find access to opportunity and prosperity here in Mexico,” said Banorte Chairman Carlos Hank González. “Promoting financial inclusion allows refugees to become active participants in the economic life of Mexico and is crucial in strengthening community bonds.”
Since its inception, more than 200 participants in the program have been able to access a bank account. The majority of these accounts have largely served refugees from Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador.
Since 2016, the UNHCR has helped more than 18,000 refugees access opportunities in nine different locations in Mexico. Many are now working as entrepreneurs as well as obtaining formal jobs with benefits in factories, retail and management roles– all contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The program is supported by Mexican federal and state governments, and more than 170 companies in Mexico who view employing asylum seekers as a way to practice corporate social responsibility and uphold good business values.
The UNHCR said the program benefits refugees and asylum-seekers who are searching for or have jobs and want to live safely in Mexico. It’s also a win for the businesses able to add to their community and to expand the essence of the private sector.