Date of publication:

09/22/2026

Mexico

Do domestic laws and policies provide for the exclusion from refugee status who are deemed ‘undeserving’ of international protection as refugees? 

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Yes. Article 27 of the Refugees, Complementary Protection and Political Asylum Law incorporates the exclusion clauses as Article 1F of the 1951 Convention. The Law establishes that the Secretary would not recognize the refugee status to the person who: 

I. Has committed a crime against peace, the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes, as defined in international instruments ratified by the Mexican State; 

II. Has committed a serious crime outside the national territory before entering it, or 

III. Has committed acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 

Regarding clause I, it is important to highlight that Mexico is a State Party to the Rome Statute. Therefore, the definitions provided by this international instrument are the ones to be considered when applicable when assessing one of the exclusion clauses. 

Regarding clause II, the law establishes that the nature of the crime must be considered, and it must be punishable in accordance with national legislation and that of the country of origin or the country where it was committed.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Law on Refugees, Complementary Protection, and Political Asylum

    Legal provision

    Article 27 - Exclusion Clauses

    No será reconocida la condición de refugiado al extranjero respecto del cual, una vez analizada su solicitud, existan motivos fundados para considerar que se encuentra en alguno de los supuestos siguientes: I. Que ha cometido un delito contra la paz, el crimen de genocidio, crímenes de lesa humanidad o crímenes de guerra, de los definidos en los instrumentos internacionales ratificados por el Estado Mexicano; II. Que ha cometido fuera del territorio nacional un delito calificado como grave, antes de su internación al mismo, o III. Que ha cometido actos contrarios a las finalidades y a los principios de las Naciones Unidas. En el supuesto de la fracción II se deberá atender la naturaleza del delito y que el mismo sea punible conforme a la legislación nacional y a la del país de origen o del país donde se hubiese cometido.