The National Migration Institute (INM) reported that Mexico has received more than 140 thousand asylum requests so far this year, a figure that exceeds the total number of requests registered in 2020.
According to the INM, from January to September 2021, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) received 140,144 requests for recognition of refugee status, of which 51,654 correspond to women and 88,490 to men.
The main countries of origin of the applicants are Honduras, with 64,822 requests; Haiti, with 36,921; Cuba, with 13,509; El Salvador, with 7,704; and Venezuela, with 5,087.
The INM indicated that the increase in asylum requests is due to the humanitarian crisis in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
The INM also highlighted the efforts made by the Mexican government to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to migrants and refugees, as well as to guarantee their human rights and access to health, education and work.
Source: Lopez Doriga
