Situated in Latin America, dividing the hemispheres, Ecuador has progressed substantially in its economic growth. With new technological advancements, Ecuador has become the hub of foreign investors setting up business here. This is primarily for low tax rates.
Ecuador has a legal framework that protects companies establishing new businesses. Other laws are embedded in this to safeguard the employees and the employees.
According to a recent study by Statista, the unemployment rate has decreased substantially by 0.3%. By 2027, the unemployment rate is estimated to reduce by 3.54% in the year 2027.
With these lucrative unemployment rates, Ecuador is now becoming a hub for commercial activities for foreign and native investors.
In this article, let’s learn in detail about background checks in Ecuador along with other background check Ecuador guidelines.
What is Employment Background Verification?
The employee background verification procedure is a framework in which a candidate’s credibility in the job application is verified. This background check in Ecuador is done by the employer, or third-party outsources.
Employment verifications include previous job titles and responsibilities, employment history, criminal and credit history, etc. It also analyzes the candidate’s performance in the previous organization and other important factors determining their credibility.
Therefore, a background check in Ecuador helps employers filter through credible candidates and identify the most qualified people for job openings.
Benefits of Background Checks in Ecuador
A Background check in Ecuador comes with several benefits. They are:
- No criminal liability for the enterprise: One of the most significant advantages of doing a background check in Ecuador is that it can relieve the company from criminal liability if the potential employee has a criminal record. A background check in Ecuador helps to flag candidates with criminal records from being employed.
- Having a healthy work environment: Background checks help keep a safe work environment with agile productivity. This ensures not only the company’s safety but also the safety of the employees.
- Incredible for time management: In entrepreneurship, time management is very crucial. Doing background checks before recruiting the potential employee would ensure the company’s safety and correct usage of resources. It also helps them save time from sitting through tedious, time-consuming interviews and screening employees individually.
- Verifying certifications: To be qualified for a particular job role, candidates often fake their certifications. Background checks come in handy for this. With a proper investigation, employers could verify the certifications so that they would recruit candidates based on their credibility.
Are Background Checks Legal in Ecuador?
Employee screening in Ecuador is legal. The Ecuadorian government allows entrepreneurs or third-party outsources to conduct background checks in the country. However, Employers may need employee consent to conduct background checks on political views and union memberships, as they are usually not permissible.
Things to Know Before Performing a Background Check in Ecuador
Before a background check in Ecuador takes place, there are specific mandates one must follow to have a seamless background check in Ecuador. Let’s get to know those.
Employment History
Understanding and making a point to check the candidate’s employment history is an important aspect of a background check in Ecuador. The employment history investigation aspects must include the following:
- Details about previous employment with confirmed work experience.
- Verifications based on the employer’s name and employment data and the reason for leaving the previous company.
- The last drawn salary
- Employment history conferring with the rehiring eligibility and reasons for termination, if any
Education History
Sometimes, candidates tend to lie about their academic credentials in their resumes. Here are some ways one can verify education history in the process of employee screening in Ecuador.
- Verifying candidates’ academic credentials with their original educational accomplishments at college and school levels.
- Verifying the name of the institution, attendance specifications, and graduation dates.
- Companies can also verify specific certificates or accolades won by the potential employee.
Criminal Record
According to the Ecuadorian government, a criminal background check in Ecuador is mandatory. It ensures the company’s safety and minimizes liability during the time of need. Here are some records one might check before hiring an employee:
- The criminal record of the employee has to be checked. However, proper measures should be taken where their privacy is safeguarded.
- A criminal background check in Ecuador adheres to the candidate’s right against discrimination.
Credit Report
- No specific laws in Ecuador or Latin America generally prohibit credit checks on potential employees during background screenings.
- Companies can only learn about the cardholders’ financial information with the employees’ prior consent.
- Credit checks are usually conducted for high-ranking positions.
Social Life
- Employers are liable to check the social life information of the candidates, i.e., checking their social media presence if the job position deems it necessary.
- Employers must conduct a pre-employment background check in Ecuador to ensure social security and other activities.
Information Essential for Background Check in Ecuador
Perform employee screening in Ecuador, which requires certain information. They are:
- Full name of the candidate.
- Social Security information.
- Date of Birth.
- Educational Qualifications.
- Employment History.
- Identity cards.
- Address.
- Resume checking.
- Email address.
Background checks in Ecuador also include information about the candidate’s social media presence. This helps verify financial and personal credit history information and other vital details. In some instances, employees must present credentials based on health conditions.
Process Involved in Background Checks in Ecuador
There is a typical procedure that the outsourcing companies and the employer have to follow to do a background check in Ecuador. They are:
Step 1: Seeking consent from the candidate before conducting a background check
Latin American laws always help in catering to the candidate’s information security. Hence, the Ecuadorian government is mandated to seek consent from the candidate before running an employment background check. There should be written permission entailing the full consent of the candidate for performing a background check.
Step 2: Collect only the relevant information
While running a background check in Ecuador, it is imperative that the investigators only investigate the relevant information and filter out the rest. This examines the employee’s credibility required in the specific field.
Step 3: Analyze and then review the results
Once the relevant information is acquired and verified, it is important to analyze and review it. If the information matches the credentials, the candidate will be allowed to get the job role or proceed with the organization.
Industries and Situations that are Most Suitable for Background Checks in Ecuador
HR background search in Ecuador is highly pivotal for any job role. Several industries in Ecuador require a background check. They are:
- Health care workers.
- Government employees.
- Banking sector employees.
- Education and child care workers.
How Multiplier Helps With Background Checks
Regarding employee background screening in Ecuador, partnering with trusted third-party solution providers like Multiplier can help companies reduce complications. While Multiplier does not directly provide employee screening services, we have a network of trusted partners worldwide who conduct background checks in compliance with local laws.
With expertise in onboarding, employee management, and payroll services in over 150 countries, Multiplier is well-equipped to facilitate the compliant global expansion of startups and enterprises. By leveraging our comprehensive solutions, companies can streamline their HR processes and ensure compliance with local regulations, making their international expansion journey smoother and more efficient.