Population figures
Total country population
129,388,468
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
136,428
Asylum-seekers:
276,696
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
262,411
Other people in need of international protection:
72,225
Other
Statelessness persons
13
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
50,803
Country context
Mexico continues to be a major destination for people seeking asylum, primarily from Central America, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world with a rising numbers of asylum applications, primarily from nations such as Haiti, Honduras, Cuba, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Asylum seekers in Mexico generally come from countries experiencing violence and persecution, with a significant portion citing insecurity as their main reason for fleeing.
The legal framework in Mexico, which has evolved over the years, now includes the provision of temporary humanitarian visas and permanent residency cards for recognized refugees, which facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. However, challenges persist in issuing and renewing these documents, which impacts the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into Mexican society.
...The asylum process in Mexico is managed by the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR). Efforts have been made to streamline procedures through digital platforms, such as COMAR Digital, to reduce workload and improve coordination.
Mexico also faces challenges regarding internally displaced persons (IDPs). The government, in cooperation with local and international partners, has been working to address the needs of IDPs, including developing policies and frameworks to protect them.
Mexico's legal framework for refugees has generally been inclusive, offering opportunities for integration into society. The government has shown receptiveness to refugees’ needs, and local initiatives have been established to promote the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers into public policies. These initiatives aim to improve access to employment, education, and social services for displaced populations, fostering social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
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