IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Mexican government recently began the transition plan for issuing new electronic passports.

Key Points:

  • All Mexican consular offices throughout the world are expected to start issuing electronic passports by January 2022.
  • As of Oct. 5, authorities were only issuing electronic passports in at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.
  • Passports will continue to be printed in physical notebooks but will include an electronic chip that hold individual’s personal information.

Additional Information: Minors’ electronic passports will include the parents’ or legal guardians’ information.

BAL Analysis: The new electronic passport intends to streamline the entry process for those returning to the country and protect the personal information of Mexican citizens. Holders of hard copy passports will not need to renew them until their current passport expires.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) reopened on Monday, Feb. 15, after having been closed for weeks because of COVID-19.

What does the change mean? Immigration services have resumed in these two offices, but applicants should expect delays associated with the prolonged closure. Office hours in Mexico City and the State of Mexico have been extended until 3 p.m., whereas previously the offices closed at 1 p.m.

  • Implementation time frame: INM offices reopened on Monday, Feb. 15.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals working or living in Mexico in need of immigration services in Mexico City or the State of Mexico.
  • Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect delayed processing times.

Additional Information: Immigration offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico were closed over the holidays and remained closed because of the impact of COVID-19 the area. The closures were extended a number of times before officials announced last week that offices would reopen Monday.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Mexico has enacted a law reforming the Mexican immigration system to allow foreign nationals who are criminally charged to move forward with immigration proceedings unless they are found guilty. Previously, visa applications in Mexico were rejected if the applicant had been charged with certain crimes.

Key Points:

  • On Jan. 7, a decree requiring Mexico to respect the right to the presumption of innocence became law. As part of the decree, presumption of innocence cannot be denied to foreign nationals who are “subject to criminal proceedings” unless and until they are convicted.
  • Under the previous law, visa applicants were rejected if they were subject to criminal proceedings from crimes deemed to place the nation or public security in danger.
  • Under the current law, visa applications will not be held or denied because of criminal proceedings. Until the applicant is convicted, applicants will have their visas approved if all requirements are met.

Analysis & Comments: The new law means that some visa applicants who previously would have had their applications rejected will be able to move forward in the application process. Their visas will only be jeopardized if they are convicted of certain crimes, rather than just being subject to criminal proceedings.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) have announced their offices will remain closed until Feb. 1. The offices had been closed for the holidays and the closures were extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current “red light” status in these two jurisdictions.

  • Implementation time frame: INM offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico will remain closed until Feb. 1.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals with immigration processes before the INM in these jurisdictions.
  • Impact on processing: The closures will create longer wait times for applications being processed in Mexico City or the State of Mexico.
  • Next Steps: Those with plans to travel abroad during this time period are encouraged to work with their Deloitte point of contact to check if an Exit/Reentry permit is required and, if so, if it is possible to obtain one at this time.

Background: Immigration offices in Mexico initially closed from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4 because of the holidays. These closures were extended until Jan. 10 because of COVID-19 and then were extended again. Officials recently announced the office would remain closed until Feb. 1.

Analysis & Comments: The INM offices in Mexico City and State of Mexico have not announced contingencies for those with urgent immigration needs. It is possible the closure will be extended yet again due to COVID-19 conditions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) have announced that their offices will remain closed until further notice. The offices had been closed for the holidays and the closures were extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current “red light” status in these two jurisdictions.

What does the change mean? All immigration services in these offices will be paused during this time. Employers and employees with pending immigration applications should expect delays.

  • Implementation time frame: INM offices in Mexico City and the State of Mexico will remain closed until further notice.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals with immigration processes before the INM in these jurisdictions.
  • Impact on processing: The closures will create longer wait times for applications being processed in Mexico City or the State of Mexico.
  • Next Steps: Those with plans to travel abroad during this time period are encouraged to work with their Deloitte point of contact to check if an Exit/Reentry permit is required and, if so, if it is possible to obtain one at this time.

Background: Immigration offices in Mexico initially closed from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4 because of the holidays. These closures were extended until Jan. 10 because of COVID-19 and they were further extended again in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

Analysis & Comments: The INM offices in Mexico City and State of Mexico have not announced contingencies for those with urgent immigration needs. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Mexican civil aviation, health and transportation departments have added an online health form as a requirement for entry and exit to Mexico.

Key Points:

  • All travelers arriving in Mexico at an airport must fill out the online health form before travel. Individuals departing from Mexico are also required to fill out the form.
  • The form is for anyone traveling to Mexico regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
  • Travelers must fill out the form prior to leaving their home so they can print out a paper form. The form does not guarantee entry.

Analysis & Comments: The health form is the only COVID-19 entry requirement at this time in Mexico. Neither a COVID-19 test nor self-isolation is required for entry. All travelers should take note of the change and complete the online form in advance of their travel. Business travelers are also required to fill out the form. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) has announced that immigration offices will be closed starting on Dec. 25 and will reopen for business Jan. 4, 2021.

What does the change mean? All immigration services will be paused during this time. Employers and employees with pending immigration applications should expect delays during the holidays.

  • Implementation time frame: INM offices will be closed from Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits could be delayed.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals working or living in Mexico or their employers could be impacted by the closures.
  • Impact on processing: The holiday closures could create longer wait times for any applications being processed by INM.
  • Business impact: Employees and companies need to prepare for possible delays to impact start dates or other time lines.

Background: Immigration offices in Mexico traditionally close for a two-week period during the holidays. This year, offices will be closed for a shorter period of time.

Analysis & Comments: Anyone with pending matters before the INM should file applications as soon as possible in order to minimize the impact of any delays that could result from holiday closures.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) office located in Tlalnepantla in the state of Mexico has closed. All pending applications and submissions made to that office will be transferred to the INM office in Toluca.

Key Points:

  • The merging of the two offices will impact processing times. Anyone with a pending submission at either the Toluca or Tlalnepantla locations should expect delays.
  • The Toluca office will be moving to a new location. The new address for INM Toluca is Calle Independencia no. 335, Colonia Cacalomacan en Toluca, Estado de México, C.P 50266.
  • Both the INM offices in Tlalnepantla and the former Toluca location are closed until Nov. 9 as resources and pending cases are combined.

Analysis & Comments: The State of Mexico surrounds Mexico City on the north, west and east and is the country’s most populous state. The two offices are being combined as part of an INM centralization process. The office closures will delay processing times, and employers should plan accordingly.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Mexican government will extend the closure of its border with the United States until Sept. 21 to non-essential travel, Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced Thursday.

Key points:

  • The current agreement applies to non-essential travel by land. Entry by air travel remains open.
  • The restriction is applicable to non-U.S. citizens and residents seeking to enter the United States. U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S. or other nationalities entering Mexico from the U.S. are not subject to any restrictions, regardless of the purpose of travel.
  • The border closure prohibits people from traveling between the countries for tourism or shopping.
  • Commercial traffic between the two nations continues.
  • Citizens and legal residents can return to their home country and conduct travel deemed essential.

Background: The travel restriction at the shared land border was first announced March 18 and has been renewed monthly.

Analysis & Comments: The limitation of border travel hinders employers on both side of the U.S.-Mexico border in communities whose economies depend on cross-border travel and business. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 1, the Immigration Office (INM) is extending the suspension of immigration requirements related to temporary and permanent residency.

Key Points:

  • The INM suspension extension applies to foreign nationals holding temporary or permanent residency, whether they are currently in Mexico or abroad.
  • The suspension will remain in effect until health authorities decide government offices can resume activities.
  • For residents, the deadline to complete all additional expiration-related requirements due from April 1 onward will be the day after the suspension is lifted.
  • The suspension does not apply to companies, which must continue to complete requirements within the normal period determined by the INM (generally within 10 business day of receiving notification).
  • The suspension also does not apply to non-resident foreign nationals who must continue to complete registration within 30 days of arrival.

Background: The INM initially suspended immigration requirements for temporary and permanent residents in April.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and arrange travel schedules for affected travelers accordingly. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.