On 9 October 2018, the Ministry of Labour issued Resolution 4386, bringing into existence the Unique Registry of Foreign Workers in Colombia (RUTEC). This identifies, quantifies and monitors labour immigration in Colombia and fulfills certain international and national commitments to establish a labour migration policy catering for rising immigration.

Registration of foreign nationals in RUTEC is mandatory for all public and private sector entities hiring foreign personnel in Colombia and it must be done within 120 days of the conclusion of the contract with the foreign worker. For those already in the country, registration must be made within 120 days of 9 October 2018.

The RUTEC must be updated within 30 days, for example when a foreign national changes address.  If a contract is renewed, a new registration must be made.

Fines for breaches range from 1 – 5,000 times minimum wage.