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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:
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.
As of June 1, the Immigration Office (INM) is extending the suspension of immigration requirements related to temporary and permanent residency.
Key Points:
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.
The Immigration Office in Mexico (INM) has suspended immigration requirements for residents until April 30 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional information: The INM has closed its offices from April 6-10, and any appointments scheduled during this closure must be rescheduled from April 13. The suspension of deadlines and requirements only applies to temporary and permanent residents.
Analysis & Comments: Employers must continue to complete immigration-related requirements with the 10-business-day limit, and foreign nationals entering Mexico on a visa must complete post-arrival registration within 30 days. 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.
The government has introduced extension measures in line with its COVID-19 policy and immigration office closures.
Additional information: Immigration authorities have canceled all appointments. The automatic extension of immigration documents does not allow for travel to other EU/Schengen Area countries, and the original employment and salary conditions continue to apply.
Analysis & Comments: The extensions are good news for employers, as they will ease immigration compliance for affected employees. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.
IMPACT – HIGH The Mexican government has announced additional changes to immigration services to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Analysis & Comments: The new immigration services restrictions will impact employee movement and availability. Employers should assess the situation of affected employees and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.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 reminder? Mexico requires companies employing foreign workers to update their corporate registration certificate (CRC) annually.
What does it mean? All companies employing foreign workers must update their CRC with the National Immigration Institute (INM) no later than March 31.
Next steps: Companies employing and hiring foreign nationals should plan to update their CRC when submitting Annual Tax Declarations for the 2019 fiscal year.
Additional information: Companies must submit their Annual Tax Declaration to the Tax Administration Service by March 31. Following receipt of tax declaration submission confirmation, they must update the CRC with the INM by the end of March. Further, the INM may visit companies or interview company representatives to verify the information submitted with the CRC update.
Analysis & Comments: Companies are encouraged to update their CRC as soon as possible after receipt of their Annual Tax Declaration confirmation and no later than March 31 date, as the Immigration Law states that the CRC must be updated once the Annual Tax Declaration is completed. If an employer’s CRC is not updated on time, the INM may delay or reject its immigration applications.
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 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.
What is the change? The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) has begun a reorganization of its Mexico City operations.
What does the change mean? INM is moving all visa and permit processing in Mexico City from the INM’s national headquarters to its regional office in Mexico City. Once the reorganization is complete, the regional office will have one area dedicated to employer-based immigration filings and another for family-based filings. In the medium- and long-term, this could lead to a streamlined application process. In the short-term, however, employers should expect delays.
Background: Mexico City has two INM offices, the INM’s national headquarters and a regional office serving the federal district. (All 31 Mexican states also have regional offices.) This past summer, authorities announced plans to move operational work in Mexico City (e.g., visa and permit processing) to the regional office; the main office will remain open for administrative functions only. This plan is now being implemented, and officials hope to have the reorganization complete in early 2020. Processing delays may be compounded by office closures for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Analysis & Comments: Mexico has been grappling with delays for months now, largely because of changes in personnel and increased migration from Central America. And while the efforts to streamline applications may eventually lead to faster processing in Mexico City, delays should be expected in December and January. Employers should continue to plan ahead and submit applications as early as possible.
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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? Mexican government officials have announced that Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) offices will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2.
What does the change mean? Visa and work permit applications that are pending during the closure may be delayed. Employers and foreign nationals should submit applications as soon as possible and account for potential delays in processing.
Background: Immigration offices will close for two weeks for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Processing will come to a halt during this time. Applications that are filed now may not be processed and returned before Dec. 20, and it is important that employers and foreign nationals consider any necessary additional steps.
Analysis & Comments: Applicants should plan to file any time-sensitive applications as early as possible before Dec. 20 to mitigate holiday-related delays. Foreign nationals planning travel to Mexico should take note of the travel restrictions and plan their schedules accordingly. Processing delays should be expected in the days after offices reopen.
What is the reminder? Employees with pending immigration applications are advised to plan ahead when traveling during the holidays and apply for an exit and reentry permit at least 10 business days before the departure date.
Background: Exit and reentry permits may be issued later than usual during the holiday season (November to January). It is generally advised that employees obtain exit and reentry permits from their local immigration office at least one week in advance. From now until January, however, employees are urged to submit applications 10 days in advance.
Analysis & Comments: Employers and employees should take note of the change and plan accordingly. Employees who need to travel abroad while applications are pending are encouraged to apply for exit and reentry permits from their local immigration office at least 10 days in advance.
What is the change? The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) is remodeling its regional office in Mexico City, resulting in reduced office space and staffing and longer wait times. The remodel is related to the INM’s plans to shift all visa and permit processing in Mexico City to the city’s regional office rather than the national headquarters.
What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays when making in-person appearances for appointments at the INM regional office in Mexico City. Demand for immigration services remains high not just in Mexico City, but throughout the country. Employers should continue to plan ahead, submit applications as early as possible and work closely with their immigration provider if they have questions about pending applications.
Background: Mexico City has two INM offices, the INM’s national headquarters and a regional office serving the federal district. (All 31 Mexican states also have regional offices.) This past summer, authorities announced plans to move all visa and permit processing in Mexico City to the regional office. Although that plan was postponed this month, construction has now begun. About 30-40 percent of the office is under construction, leading to reduced space, lower staffing, and wait times that, depending on the situation, can be two or three times longer than normal.
Analysis & Comments: Mexico has been grappling with processing delays for months now, largely because of changes in personnel and increased migration from Central America. The work underway at the INM’s regional office in Mexico City is leading to longer wait times for appointments and could exacerbate processing delays. Employers should continue to plan ahead and submit applications as early as possible. In some cases, employers may need to adjust employee start dates because of delays.