A young Cuban woman living in Uruguay has shared a video on TikTok that is already sparking debate among migrants: finding a job in Uruguay in 2025 could take months and represents, according to her experience, "total uncertainty."
The creator, identified as @edenny30, explained that she decided to speak openly after receiving numerous messages from people interested in emigrating to that country. “Here, I will be sharing information about the jobs that are most frequently available and the websites you can visit to look for them, always based on what I know and my experience,” she announced.
Uruguay has an approximate population of 3.5 million inhabitants, and more than half live in Montevideo. As noted, “this is where there are the most job opportunities,” but in the interior of the country “the number of businesses decreases,” and jobs are “much more scarce in small towns, where agriculture is the main source of income.”
High competition and more common jobs for migrants
The Cuban highlighted that the migrant community is primarily made up of people from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, many of whom are qualified. "A prepared and trained community, which increases the competition," she stated.
Regarding the types of employment available, he stated that the most common jobs for migrants are: “Companion work, caregivers in nursing homes, cooks, drivers, orderlies, positions in supermarkets, construction, agriculture, cleaning, security guards, delivery, and IT professionals.” For those who manage to have their degrees recognized, there are also options such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and dentists.
He advised those wishing to emigrate to do so prepared: “It is vital that you bring your degrees, your driver's license, and everything that demonstrates your work experience, but above all, money, considering that you may be without work for three to four months.”
Job hunting: between social networks and personal recommendations
In the video, he also shared strategies for job hunting in Uruguay. “Save the video because many job opportunities are posted on these sites. Also, check the websites of supermarkets, and don’t forget about McDonald's, Facebook, and Instagram,” he said. However, he cautioned that “here, a lot is done through word of mouth, so it helps to have someone who can recommend you.”
For those inquiring about professional jobs in fields like medicine, he advised considering other destinations. "Is there work for doctors in my field? That’s a good question. Consider other possibilities such as Brazil, for all those who do not have university degrees that can be recognized here."
Reactions: support, doubts, and tensions
The reactions to the video reflect a mix of gratitude, questions, and critical comments. "Great information, very clear and accurate," said one user. Others asked, "Is it possible to find a job as a driver?" "Is it easy to validate your degree there?" "How is the demand for dentists?"
Additional contributions also emerged, such as one from a follower who mentioned commission-based sales as a valid option: “I’ll add another possibility to what you mentioned: sales advisors from various escort companies. If you walk quite a bit, the commissions can be good.”
In contrast, a user wrote: “Sorry, you have already taken over a country that belongs to Uruguayans,” reflecting the rejection that some locals show towards Caribbean migration.
How much money should you start with? Another video by the same Cuban explains it
This new testimony adds to another previous video by the same author, where she details the basic expenses of emigrating to Uruguay. “If you are coming alone or as a couple, I recommend renting a room in a boarding house where you will only pay for monthly rent, which ranges from about 9,000 to 12,000 Uruguayan pesos,” she stated at that time.
He added that "if you come with family and rent an apartment, it complicates things," and shared his own experience with security deposits and installation costs. "In total, 1,800 dollars. A huge amount."
He recommended not bringing less than $2,500 if opting for a pension, and not less than $4,500 if considering renting an independent home. "The most important thing is to ensure shelter, food, and a little money to live on until you find a job," he concluded.
Frequently asked questions about job searching and adaptation in Uruguay for Cuban migrants
How long can it take to find a job in Uruguay?
Finding a job in Uruguay can take several months, especially for migrants. High competition among the migrant community, which includes people from Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, makes the process more challenging. It is advisable to arrive with sufficient savings to cover three to four months of expenses while job hunting.
What are the most common jobs for migrants in Uruguay?
The most common jobs for migrants in Uruguay include roles such as companions, caregivers in nursing homes, cooks, drivers, stretcher-bearers, supermarket employees, construction workers, agricultural laborers, cleaning staff, security guards, delivery drivers, and IT jobs. For those who manage to validate their degrees, there are also opportunities in professional fields such as medicine, nursing, teaching, and dentistry.
How much money is recommended to bring when emigrating to Uruguay?
For those planning to live in a boarding house, it is recommended to bring at least 2,500 dollars. If you intend to rent an independent home, it is advised to bring no less than 4,500 dollars. This ensures coverage for housing, food, and other essential expenses until stable employment is found.
Is it necessary to validate academic degrees to work in Uruguay?
Validating academic degrees is necessary to enter certain regulated professions, such as medicine, nursing, teaching, and dentistry. However, there are many other types of jobs that do not require validation, such as construction, cleaning, or general services.
What are the best strategies for job hunting in Uruguay?
Searching for a job in Uruguay can be done through online platforms, such as the websites of supermarkets and fast food companies like McDonald's. Additionally, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are useful, but having personal recommendations is also important, as "word of mouth" plays a significant role in the Uruguayan job market.
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