LATAM
Key trends shaping LATAM's labor and immigration landscape
Refinement of immigration and mobility administration frameworks
Several jurisdictions introduced targeted changes affecting the administration of immigration and mobility processes. Developments in Mexico and Chile reflect efforts to introduce more structured application requirements, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and refine business mobility and work authorization frameworks.
These measures increase the importance of documentation readiness, compliance monitoring, and advance planning for employers managing cross-border mobility programs.
Selective use of mobility measures to support economic and commercial objectives
Governments continue to leverage immigration and mobility programs to support broader economic priorities. Recent developments include expanded residence opportunities for investors in Paraguay and targeted business mobility measures in Chile, reflecting a focus on attracting investment and facilitating commercial activity through selective mobility pathways.
Rather than broad-based immigration reform, these developments illustrate a more targeted approach aimed at specific investor and business traveler populations.
Growing workforce planning and compliance considerations
Employers across the region continue to navigate an operating environment shaped by evolving compliance obligations, administrative pressures, and workforce-related developments. New work visa requirements in Mexico, operational processing delays affecting immigration applications, and employment cost developments in Chile may influence mobility timelines, workforce planning, and assignment management.
These developments reinforce the need for proactive planning, careful management of compliance requirements, and ongoing monitoring of operational factors that may affect regional mobility programs.
Chile
Chile introduced a prior authorization requirement for Indian nationals traveling for business purposes, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Eligible travelers must obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 720 days, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit.
The measure introduces additional compliance and planning considerations for employers facilitating short-term business travel to Chile and reflects a more structured approach to managing business mobility for specific traveler populations.
Separately, Chile enacted a new law increasing the monthly minimum wage to CLP 553,553, effective from May 1, 2026. The law also establishes a framework for future inflation-linked adjustments from 2027, with potential implications for employment costs and remuneration-related workforce planning.
Mexico
Mexico implemented new immigration guidelines affecting work visa applications. The revised framework requires employers to identify employee work arrangements, including onsite, remote, and hybrid working models, as part of the application process.
The guidelines also introduce a “strategic project” concept for highly specialized assignments, which may require additional evidence relating to qualifications, professional experience, and knowledge-transfer activities. The changes apply to new work visa applications and do not currently affect renewals or permanent residence processes.
Separately, application processing delays reported by the National Migration Institute (INM) due to operational pressures associated with the FIFA World Cup may affect mobility timelines and workforce deployment planning.
Paraguay
Paraguay introduced a new Investor Pass that expands permanent residence opportunities for foreign nationals making qualifying investments in the country. The program broadens eligibility beyond traditional commercial and industrial investment routes to include stock market, real estate, and tourism-related investments.
Introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the General Immigration Directorate, the measure reflects efforts to attract investment across a wider range of economic sectors while creating additional pathways to long-term residence for qualifying investors.
Argentina
The Argentine Senate approved Social Security Agreements with San Marino and Switzerland aimed at coordinating social security coverage and benefits for individuals working across jurisdictions. The agreements are intended to support continuity of protection for internationally mobile workers and their dependents.
The measures remain subject to approval by the Chamber of Deputies and are therefore not yet in force. If enacted, they will strengthen the framework supporting cross-border workforce mobility between the participating jurisdictions.
Want more information on LATAM immigration policy and updates?
Reach out to our experts.
Daniela Rojas
Senior Manager