Foreign-born population – 2024 | 1.2% of the population | Main countries of birth: United States (66%), Guatemala (5%), Venezuela (4%) |
Size: 1.6 million, 47% women | Evolution since 2015: +56% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Mexico received 63 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), ‑15% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 12% labour migrants, 33% family members (including accompanying family) and 29% humanitarian migrants. Around 4 700 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 24 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
Honduras, Guatemala and Cuba were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Honduras registered the strongest increase (5 000) and Venezuela the largest decrease (‑2 100) in flows to Mexico compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑11%, to reach around 70 000. The majority of applicants came from Cuba (35 000), Venezuela (14 000) and Haiti (9 100). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Cuba (17 000) and the largest decrease nationals of Honduras (‑23 000). Of the 102 000 decisions taken in 2025, 17% were positive.
Emigration of Mexican citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2024, to 227 000. Approximately 88% of this group migrated to the United States, 5% to Spain and 3% to Canada.
Mexico’s migration policy is guided by Objective 5 of the 2025-2030 Sectoral Programme of the Ministry of the Interior, published in the Official Gazette on 3 September 2025. The policy adopts a comprehensive approach to migration management, emphasising respect for migrants’ human rights, their integration into productive sectors and stronger inter-institutional co‑ordination to provide support and protection, particularly to people in situations of social vulnerability.
In 2025, Mexico relaunched the “Dual Nationality Project” (Proyecto de Doble Nacionalidad) programme in six states, aimed at facilitating dual nationality and supporting the integration of children returning from the United States. The project issued 11 081 Unique Population Registry Codes (CURP) to returnee children and adolescents across 26 municipalities. By helping children born abroad to Mexican citizens obtain recognition of Mexican nationality and legal identity, the programme facilitates their access to public services, including education and healthcare.
More broadly, Mexico has taken steps to consolidate integrated information systems, strengthen its ability to measure the results and impacts of migration initiatives, and expand socio-economic reintegration mechanisms, particularly in co‑ordination with local and regional stakeholders.
The Migration Law also provides several pathways for foreigners seeking to remain legally in Mexico. These mechanisms allow, under certain circumstances, the regularisation of immigration status as temporary residents, including access to work permits. The framework aims to protect the dignity, integrity and security of migrants in irregular situations and refugees against discrimination, aggression and violence. The Instituto Nacional de Migracíon (INM) continues to process regularisation applications through statutory residence channels, assessing cases individually and taking humanitarian considerations into account where applicable.
In July 2025, the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs issued new General Guidelines for Visa Issuance, standardising visa procedures and promoting the digitalisation of migration administration. Measures include greater use of electronic processing, biometric data collection, e‑visas and integrated digital platforms.
Mexico has also taken steps to strengthen the management of migration flows at regular points of entry, with efforts to modernise processes and streamline administrative requirements to facilitate regular migration pathways.
In September 2025, la Comisión Mexicana de Ayuda a Refugiados (COMAR), in co‑ordination with national and international partners including UNHCR, opened a Multiservice Centre for Refugees in Tapachula, Chiapas. The centre seeks to streamline asylum procedures by bringing refugee‑status determination, legal guidance, healthcare and integration assistance together in one location, particularly in Tapachula, one of Mexico’s principal entry points for asylum seekers.
Mexico has also significantly raised immigration residence fees following a 2025 reform to the Federal Law on Fees, with costs for temporary and permanent residence increasing by approximately 100%, while visitor permits saw more moderate increases. The reform aims to update fees and ensure a more proportional contribution from foreigners towards public services, while offering discounts of up to 50% in certain circumstances, including family reunification and employment.
Finally, amendments published in May 2026 expanded administrative facilities for temporary residence visas and work permits. They facilitate the entry and employment of highly specialised foreign professionals, including those providing independent or subordinate services to legally established Mexican entities.
For further information: www.politicamigratoria.gob.mx | www.comar.gob.mx
