As of December 10, 2023, Javier Milei is the new President of Argentina. Described by many media as an ultra-liberal halfway between Trump, Bolsonaro and Thatcher, expected by the 56% of Argentinians who elected him hoping for a radical change after 40 years of Peronism that led the country to bankruptcy, Milei wants to re-energize the Argentine economy, in particular by encouraging foreign companies to set up in Argentina. What is the program for immigration?
Land of immigration
Argentina is, historically, a country of immigration: during the 20th century, it was one of the most welcoming countries for foreign citizens, especially Europeans, and one of the only nations whose constitution includes “welcoming any person wishing to reside here“. Currently, the most present community in Argentina is that of Paraguayans citizens, who come to their neighbour in search of better living conditions.
Milei’s platform focuses on much more than immigration – the only matters related to the topic in his program indicate that the new party will ensure that:
- Any foreigner who has committed an offence shall be deported immediately;
- The functioning of border posts is improved;
- Residence permit is linked to the possession of a job, for a company paying the appropriate taxes.
When asked about his migration policy, Milei also said he wanted to reduce access to education and health for foreign citizens and deny access to any foreigner with a criminal record. In other words, only foreigners who pay their Argentine taxes will be able to benefit from “welfare” measures, to quote the new president.
He also said he was not at all opposed to immigration, explaining that countries that are open to immigration have “better innovation and grow more.”
International companies
If the Minister of Foreign Relations of the new government announced that Argentina would not accept the invitation to join the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and that Javier Milei threatened during his campaign to leave Mercosur even though the South American economic community (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay) was in the middle of negotiations with the European Union, the new Argentinian president wants to maintain/attract foreign companies to his soil.
The major foreign groups already present in Argentina are quite confident about Argentina’s economic future – we are starting from a very long way, as the country has been a symbol of economic crisis for the past twenty years. While many companies have left Argentina in the last 10 years, new ones have recently set up (Fischertechnik, Bath & Body Works, perhaps China Eastern Airlines) and the new government would be seen as “pro-business and investment-friendly”, according to this article in El Pais*. Various international companies have also reportedly offered their support on social media, indicating that they want to settle or return to Argentina.
Elon Musk is in talks with Milei, and said on X that Argentina is “on its way to prosperity.” If Elon Musk says so… That’s all we wish for Argentina!
Immigration Procedures
It remains to be seen whether this new election has an impact on current procedures – it is possible that Milei’s planned budget cuts will have an impact on immigration processing times.
Until now, an immigration procedure to Argentina took about 3 months and was based on a “classic” model (work authorization + work visa + work permit + residence permit).
As a company, do you want to send your talents to Argentina? Do not hesitate to contact us so that we can manage your immigration procedures!
