Milei tightens Argentina immigration rules
Argentina will tighten its immigration rules and end free health care for foreigners, the government announced on Wednesday, as President Javier Milei moves to cut public spending. The new measures, aimed at reducing costs and curbing what officials describe as the misuse of public services, will make it more difficult for foreigners to obtain residency or citizenship.
Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni outlined the changes, stating that foreigners entering Argentina will soon need to present health insurance to cover their medical expenses. "From now on, illegal immigrants, transient and temporary residents will have to pay for health services," Adorni said, reflecting Milei's longstanding position that non-taxpaying foreigners should not benefit from the country's strained public services.
Under the revised regulations, permanent residency and citizenship will be harder to obtain. Only those who have lived continuously in Argentina for at least two years without leaving will be eligible. Additionally, Argentine universities will gain the right to charge tuition fees for foreign students, a significant shift from the current system, which offers free education to all.
Adorni, a former economist like Milei, emphasized that the government aims to reduce the financial burden on Argentine taxpayers. According to official data from 2022, foreigners accounted for just over 4% of university students in Argentina, many of whom already contribute financially.
The new measures also include expedited deportations for migrants convicted of crimes, aligning with Milei's broader push to streamline government services and reduce public spending.
The move comes amid broader economic challenges for Argentina, where inflation has soared, and public finances remain under pressure. Despite being a major destination for regional migration, the country recorded net immigration of just over 3,400 people last year, according to World Bank figures, with most newcomers arriving from neighboring Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Venezuela.
The regulations are set to take effect once they are published in the government gazette, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy.
