IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change?  Foreign nationals are reminded that they must notify the National Institute of Migration of any address changes within 90 days of moving. The reminder is particularly important now, following extensive displacement caused by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in September.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who moved as a result of the earthquake, or for other reasons in the last 90 days, should notify the institute of their change of address as soon as possible.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals living in Mexico who have recently changed their address.
  • Business impact: Businesses may wish to notify foreign workers of the rule, especially if they have reason to believe employees had to move because of the earthquake.
  • Next steps: BAL is able to assist foreign nationals who have recently changed addresses and can complete the required paperwork at the appropriate National Institute of Immigration office on their behalf.

Background: In Mexico, foreign nationals must notify authorities within 90 days of a change in address, marital status, employer or nationality. Those who were displaced by the Sept. 19 earthquake will have until mid- or late December, depending on the date on which they moved, to provide their updated address. Foreign nationals are advised to complete the process as soon as possible, however, especially because there will likely be a rush on immigration services around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who have moved in the last 90 days can contact BAL about updating their address with the appropriate authorities. Those who miss the 90-day deadline face penalties, including fines equal to 20 days of minimum wage pay in Mexico City (about 1,600 Mexican pesos or US$85).

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Mexico. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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