In a recent social media post, President Bukele announced that El Salvador will offer 5,000 free passports, worth $5 billion under the country's passport programme, to highly skilled workers from around the world. The goal is to attract expertise in science, engineering, medicine, art and philosophy.
A New Horizon for Skilled Workers
We're offering 5,000 free passports to highly skilled scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers from abroad. This represents less than 0.1% of our population, so granting them full citizen status, including voting rights, poses no issue,
This scheme is not merely about increasing the population; it is about enriching the intellectual capital of El Salvador. Although their numbers are small, their contributions will have a significant impact on society and the future of the country.
In order to facilitate their relocation, the government will ensure 0% taxes and duties for relocating families and assets. This also includes items of commercial value such as equipment, software and intellectual property.
Alongside skilled labour, Bukele is also keen to attract foreign investment. Last month, El Salvador's Congress approved a reform that eliminates income taxes previously levied on money from abroad.
Incomes of $150,000 or more had to be paid at a rate of 30% upon entry into the country. Under the reform, money flows from abroad, such as remittances and investments in companies, will now be exempt from tax.
We're offering 5,000 free passports (equivalent to $5 billion in our passport program) to highly skilled scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers from abroad.
This represents less than 0.1% of our population, so granting them full citizen status, including…
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) April 6, 2024
Political Landscape Post Bukele's Re-Election
Bukele's re-election by a wide margin in February gave him an unparalleled degree of control over the assembly. His supporters have applauded his crackdown on gangs. However, critics fear that El Salvador is sliding towards a one-party state.
President Bukele has used his party's supermajority to reshape institutions and pack the courts. Such a court allowed him to run for re-election despite a constitutional ban on consecutive terms.
The move is seen as indicative of his bold approach to governance and willingness to take bold steps for the betterment of the nation.
Human Rights Concerns Amid El Salvador's Progress
Progress is often accompanied by difficulties. In the case of El Salvador, Bukele's crackdown on gangs is increasingly raising concerns about respect for human rights.
According to his security minister, three quarters of El Salvador's gang members have been imprisoned since Bukele launched his crackdown. Today, the number of prisoners stands at 79,184, and efforts are underway to track down the remaining 25,000.
However, Bukele's methods have been criticised by human rights groups. Recently, Amnesty International described them as 'disproportionate'.
Nevertheless, Bukele, who has been re-elected for another five-year term, has vowed to continue the crackdown until the gangs are wiped out.