Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN- The Ministry of Labor and Social Security -Mintrab- has issued more than 2,000 work permits for foreigners in Guatemala to speed up the assistance processes for the population. According to the ministry, they gave 2,830 work permits, and 3,800 are still in process.
This service is possible because the virtual platform for managing work permits for foreigners in Guatemala, called PEX, was launched on February 28, 2022.
About the Platform
PEX was officially launched by President Alejandro Giammattei, the Minister of Labor and Social Security -Mintrab-, Rafael Rodríguez, and the General Director of the Guatemalan Migration Institute -IGM-, Manuel Estuardo Rodríguez, in an event at the Presidential Office.
The platform aims to upgrade administrative management by simplifying, streamlining, and digitalizing administrative procedures.
The portal https://tramites.gob.gt/servicio/1936/ is available for any consultation.
According to Rafael Rodriguez, Minister of Labor, “The tool allows employers, refugees and foreigners to process work permits online in the country.”
Progress in the Issuance of Permits
Previously, the permit took 169 days to be issued and could only be requested in person. The digital platform will reduce this process to 15 days. It will be reduced from 100 to 10 days, and permits for refugees from 21 to 4 days.
The ministry also promotes an inclusive approach for the benefit of all Guatemalans and residents of the country since the issuance of work permits with foreign direct investment complies with the Guatemala Moving Forward strategy promoted by the Government of Guatemala.
Minister Rodriguez emphasized that this new digital tool also focuses on the more timely issuance of suitable jobs and foreign investment, included in the Guatemala Moving Forward plan.
