Revolutionizing Consular Services for Mexicans Abroad
Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the Secretary of Foreign Relations (SRE), announced a complete transformation in consular services for Mexicans living abroad, making processes more agile, cost-free, and eliminating the need for intermediaries.
Key Changes in Consular Services
- Online appointment platform to combat coyotaje (smuggling).
- A single digital window that centralizes all consular procedures.
- Elimination of costs for consular procedures.
- Resource allocation to expand digitalization efforts.
These changes allow Mexicans to complete all processes entirely online through the Mi Consulado portal, receiving approval within a single day without the need for customs brokers. Furthermore, monitoring systems will be implemented across Mexico’s 52 consulates in the United States to ensure the smooth operation of this new model.
Introducing FinaBien Card to Avoid Taxes on Remittances
During “La Mañanera del Pueblo,” President Claudia Sheinbaum introduced the FinaBien card, a financial tool that enables Mexicans in the United States to send electronic remittances without paying taxes, avoiding cash transfers.
“Any Mexican can request their card via mail with fewer requirements than opening a bank account. It’s a simple and secure way to send money,” Sheinbaum explained.
Sheinbaum reminded the audience that, starting January 1, 2026, a 1% tax on cash remittances will be enforced by the U.S. Congress. The FinaBien card aims to protect Mexican migrants from this tax.
Rocío Mejía Flores, head of Financiera para el Bienestar, informed that 30,000 FinaBien cards are already in use in the United States. The transaction fee will decrease from $3.99 to $2.99 on Saturday, July 19, as per presidential instructions.
“Remittances are an act of love that unites families. With FinaBien, we aim to ensure this effort isn’t further penalized with additional taxes,” Mejía Flores expressed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new consular service model? It’s a digital, free-of-charge, and intermediary-free model for Mexicans abroad, offering streamlined processes through the Mi Consulado portal.
- Who introduced the FinaBien card? The FinaBien card was presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum during ‘La Mañanera del Pueblo’ to avoid taxes on electronic remittances.
- When does the 1% tax on cash remittances take effect? The tax will be enforced starting January 1, 2026.
- What is the current transaction fee for FinaBien? The transaction fee will decrease from $3.99 to $2.99 on July 19, as per presidential instructions.
