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06.11.2025
Migration and Investment in Human Capital: Mexico’s Commitment to Dignified Mobility
Migration and Investment in Human Capital:
Mexico’s Commitment to Dignified Mobility
Topic: Investment in Human Capital
Investment in human capital is a foundation of the socioeconomic development of any country. In the context of migration, this type of investment is even more relevant, as it transforms the phenomenon from a problem into an opportunity for countries of origin, transit, and destination, as well as for migrants themselves. Mexico occupies a key position on the regional map of migration flows. As such, it has implemented various policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the capacities of the migrant population crossing its territory.
Through investments in education, health, skills development, and regulatory mechanisms, the Mexican government seeks not only to protect migrant rights, but also to develop their potential as productive members of society. These investments are in line with humanitarian needs, while at the same time generating long-term economic and social benefits. By providing migrants with access to basic services and opportunities for self-development, Mexico both protects migrants’ rights and encourages their integration into the formal economy, making them less vulnerable and ensuring the orderly and safe movement of people.
Migration is a human right. History has shown us that the movement of peoples has formed the basis of many societies and contributed enormously to their development, turning them into a melting pot of different cultures. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2025) recognizes that, currently, approximately 3.6% of the world’s population resides outside their country of origin for a variety of reasons, ranging from poverty, limited access to basic services such as health, education, water, food, and shelter, as well as the effects of environmental degradation and climate change (known as structural causes), or due to forced displacement as a result of persecution and conflict.
According to the 2024 World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the main destination countries for migrants are the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. This creates serious difficulties for these countries, but at the same time it means that transit countries through which hundreds of thousands of people pass every year must shoulder a share of the responsibility (McAuliffe & Oucho 2024).
Mexico is a key country in terms of migration – a country of origin, destination and transit. The IOM’s World Migration Report (2024) notes that the U.S.–Mexico border is the largest binational corridor in the world in terms of migratory flow, with more than 10 million people passing through each year.
Given this set of factors, Mexico must implement a decisive, effective, and human migration policy that ensures the safety of migrants at each stage of the process: pre-migration, transit, settlement and integration, and eventual return (Lizárraga, 2019).
The adoption of the Mexican Model of Human Mobility is the starting point for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy in which each stage of the migration process is considered from the perspective of humanism and regional cooperation. The pillars of this model are: a humanitarian solution to the problem of illegal migration; the establishment of labour migration channels; regional cooperation in economic and social programmes; and support for and protection of Mexican communitas abroad (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores [SRE], 2024).
This model of human mobility is like an oasis in this extremely complex context, especially given that U.S. immigration law pressures millions of potential migrants to remain in Mexico and forces many Mexican nationals residing in the United States to return to their home country even after having lived there for several years.
The strategy for implementing this model is based on specific actions: Mexico has been involved in joint efforts to reduce unauthorized migration, which dropped by 66% between 2023 and 2024 (Sánchez, 2024). Unauthorized migration is defined as the movement of people across international borders in a manner that is outside the migration laws, where people conceal their entry into a country from the authorities. Reducing the flow of illegal immigrants also helps reduce the risks that people in such circumstances may face (IOM, 2025).
The figure cited above can be put down to the numerous migration measures adopted by Mexico as part of this model. Almost $2.314 million has been pumped into social programmes such as “Sembrando vida” (Sowing Life) and “Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro” (Youth Building the Future), providing assistance to more than 75,000 people. These numbers are particularly impressive when we consider that these programmes can be extended to nationals in other countries in the region (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo [AMEXCID], 2024a).
In a similar vein, Mexico agreed to contribute $38.8 million to countries such as Guatemala, Belize, and Cuba to address the structural problems that cause people to leave the country. It has also provided 18.7 million pesos for the implementation of social programmes in Colombia and Venezuela for the same purpose (SRE y AMEXCID, 2024b).
At the same time, Mexico has started promoting labour migration routes to encourage legal migration. This includes issuing Visiting Border Worker Cards to nationals of Guatemala and Belize to perform paid work on the country’s southern border (in Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo) (Gobierno de México, 2025).
This document is particularly significant, since it creates jobs in the country and gives migrants the opportunity to integrate into the society in which they wish to settle or transit through.
As for the final stage of migration, the Mexican government has earmarked 220 million pesos for the construction of hotels and service centres for migrants in the northern border states (Salcedo, 2025). These measures are being implemented as part of the “México Te Abraza” (Mexico Embraces You) repatriation programme, which is aimed at welcoming all Mexican citizens returning to the country after having resided in the United States.
To guarantee the fundamental rights of returnees, Mexico offers them access to consular protection, basic documents, and social services that guide returnees in accessing social programs and employment opportunities (Milenio, 2025).
All participants in the migration process should have the security of knowing that they will receive protection regardless of their migration status or the stage of the migration process they are currently at. Cooperation among the countries of the region plays a decisive role in achieving this and other goals that ensure the migration process is humane.
Mexico occupies a strategic position in terms of migration flows at all stages. This places an enormous responsibility on the country to provide comprehensive migration services in an effective manner and to protect every person that crosses the territory in search of a better life, regardless of their nationality.
Every migration case is different, which means that Mexico faces all kinds of challenges if it wants to meet the specific needs of those wishing to enter the country. In view of this, the country faces the very real challenge of prioritizing migration and developing the relevant legislation, allocating budgetary resources for humanitarian assistance and the protection of those who see a glimmer of hope in the country.
References
Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos. (2025). Acerca de la migración y los derechos humanos. Naciones Unidas. https://www.ohchr.org/es/migration/about-migration-and-human-rights
Gobierno de México. (1 de enero de 2025). Tarjeta de Visitante Trabajador Fronterizo (TVTF). https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/tarjeta-de-visitante-trabajador-fronterizo-tvtf
Lizárraga, O. (2019). En búsqueda del eterno verano. Atracción y rechazo en el proceso de la transmigración placentera en España y México. Migraciones Internacionales, 10(36). https://doi.org/10.33679/rmi.v1i1.2187
McAuliffe, M. y Oucho, L. A. (eds.). (2024). Informe sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo 2024. Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM). Ginebra.
Organización Internacional para las Migraciones. (2025). Migración irregular e identidad: más que documentos. ONU Migración. https://lac.iom.int/es/blogs/migracion-irregular-e-identidad-mas-que-documentos
Salcedo, J. (8 de febrero de 2025). INM paga 220 mdp por instalación de albergues para migrantes. El Sol de México. https://oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/mexico/inm-paga-220-mdp-por-instalacion-de-albergues-para-migrantes-21574564
Sánchez, A. (4 de septiembre de 2024). Se ha reducido 66% cifra de migrantes que cruzan México para llegar a EU: Bárcena. La Jornada. https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2024/09/04/politica/se-ha-reducido-66-cifra-de-migrantes-que-cruzan-mexico-para-llegar-a-eu-barcena-3143
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo. (2024a). Presentación del Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Editoriales Nueva Visión México.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo. (2024b). Acciones de la AMEXCID en materia migratoria: el antes y el después de la reforma a la Ley de Migración. Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Editoriales Nueva Visión México.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores. (15 mayo de 2024). La Comisión Intersecretarial de Atención Integral en Materia Migratoria adopta el Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Comunicado conjunto Relaciones Exteriores-Gobernación- Bienestar-Trabajo-Educación-SAT-IMSS-INEGI. https://www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/la-comision-intersecretarial-de-atencion-integral-en-materia-migratoria-adopta-el-modelo-mexicano-de-movilidad-humana?idiom=es
Mexico’s Commitment to Dignified Mobility
Topic: Investment in Human Capital
Investment in human capital is a foundation of the socioeconomic development of any country. In the context of migration, this type of investment is even more relevant, as it transforms the phenomenon from a problem into an opportunity for countries of origin, transit, and destination, as well as for migrants themselves. Mexico occupies a key position on the regional map of migration flows. As such, it has implemented various policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the capacities of the migrant population crossing its territory.
Through investments in education, health, skills development, and regulatory mechanisms, the Mexican government seeks not only to protect migrant rights, but also to develop their potential as productive members of society. These investments are in line with humanitarian needs, while at the same time generating long-term economic and social benefits. By providing migrants with access to basic services and opportunities for self-development, Mexico both protects migrants’ rights and encourages their integration into the formal economy, making them less vulnerable and ensuring the orderly and safe movement of people.
Migration is a human right. History has shown us that the movement of peoples has formed the basis of many societies and contributed enormously to their development, turning them into a melting pot of different cultures. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2025) recognizes that, currently, approximately 3.6% of the world’s population resides outside their country of origin for a variety of reasons, ranging from poverty, limited access to basic services such as health, education, water, food, and shelter, as well as the effects of environmental degradation and climate change (known as structural causes), or due to forced displacement as a result of persecution and conflict.
According to the 2024 World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the main destination countries for migrants are the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. This creates serious difficulties for these countries, but at the same time it means that transit countries through which hundreds of thousands of people pass every year must shoulder a share of the responsibility (McAuliffe & Oucho 2024).
Mexico is a key country in terms of migration – a country of origin, destination and transit. The IOM’s World Migration Report (2024) notes that the U.S.–Mexico border is the largest binational corridor in the world in terms of migratory flow, with more than 10 million people passing through each year.
Given this set of factors, Mexico must implement a decisive, effective, and human migration policy that ensures the safety of migrants at each stage of the process: pre-migration, transit, settlement and integration, and eventual return (Lizárraga, 2019).
The adoption of the Mexican Model of Human Mobility is the starting point for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy in which each stage of the migration process is considered from the perspective of humanism and regional cooperation. The pillars of this model are: a humanitarian solution to the problem of illegal migration; the establishment of labour migration channels; regional cooperation in economic and social programmes; and support for and protection of Mexican communitas abroad (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores [SRE], 2024).
This model of human mobility is like an oasis in this extremely complex context, especially given that U.S. immigration law pressures millions of potential migrants to remain in Mexico and forces many Mexican nationals residing in the United States to return to their home country even after having lived there for several years.
The strategy for implementing this model is based on specific actions: Mexico has been involved in joint efforts to reduce unauthorized migration, which dropped by 66% between 2023 and 2024 (Sánchez, 2024). Unauthorized migration is defined as the movement of people across international borders in a manner that is outside the migration laws, where people conceal their entry into a country from the authorities. Reducing the flow of illegal immigrants also helps reduce the risks that people in such circumstances may face (IOM, 2025).
The figure cited above can be put down to the numerous migration measures adopted by Mexico as part of this model. Almost $2.314 million has been pumped into social programmes such as “Sembrando vida” (Sowing Life) and “Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro” (Youth Building the Future), providing assistance to more than 75,000 people. These numbers are particularly impressive when we consider that these programmes can be extended to nationals in other countries in the region (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo [AMEXCID], 2024a).
In a similar vein, Mexico agreed to contribute $38.8 million to countries such as Guatemala, Belize, and Cuba to address the structural problems that cause people to leave the country. It has also provided 18.7 million pesos for the implementation of social programmes in Colombia and Venezuela for the same purpose (SRE y AMEXCID, 2024b).
At the same time, Mexico has started promoting labour migration routes to encourage legal migration. This includes issuing Visiting Border Worker Cards to nationals of Guatemala and Belize to perform paid work on the country’s southern border (in Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo) (Gobierno de México, 2025).
This document is particularly significant, since it creates jobs in the country and gives migrants the opportunity to integrate into the society in which they wish to settle or transit through.
As for the final stage of migration, the Mexican government has earmarked 220 million pesos for the construction of hotels and service centres for migrants in the northern border states (Salcedo, 2025). These measures are being implemented as part of the “México Te Abraza” (Mexico Embraces You) repatriation programme, which is aimed at welcoming all Mexican citizens returning to the country after having resided in the United States.
To guarantee the fundamental rights of returnees, Mexico offers them access to consular protection, basic documents, and social services that guide returnees in accessing social programs and employment opportunities (Milenio, 2025).
All participants in the migration process should have the security of knowing that they will receive protection regardless of their migration status or the stage of the migration process they are currently at. Cooperation among the countries of the region plays a decisive role in achieving this and other goals that ensure the migration process is humane.
Mexico occupies a strategic position in terms of migration flows at all stages. This places an enormous responsibility on the country to provide comprehensive migration services in an effective manner and to protect every person that crosses the territory in search of a better life, regardless of their nationality.
Every migration case is different, which means that Mexico faces all kinds of challenges if it wants to meet the specific needs of those wishing to enter the country. In view of this, the country faces the very real challenge of prioritizing migration and developing the relevant legislation, allocating budgetary resources for humanitarian assistance and the protection of those who see a glimmer of hope in the country.
References
Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos. (2025). Acerca de la migración y los derechos humanos. Naciones Unidas. https://www.ohchr.org/es/migration/about-migration-and-human-rights
Gobierno de México. (1 de enero de 2025). Tarjeta de Visitante Trabajador Fronterizo (TVTF). https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/tarjeta-de-visitante-trabajador-fronterizo-tvtf
Lizárraga, O. (2019). En búsqueda del eterno verano. Atracción y rechazo en el proceso de la transmigración placentera en España y México. Migraciones Internacionales, 10(36). https://doi.org/10.33679/rmi.v1i1.2187
McAuliffe, M. y Oucho, L. A. (eds.). (2024). Informe sobre las Migraciones en el Mundo 2024. Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM). Ginebra.
Organización Internacional para las Migraciones. (2025). Migración irregular e identidad: más que documentos. ONU Migración. https://lac.iom.int/es/blogs/migracion-irregular-e-identidad-mas-que-documentos
Salcedo, J. (8 de febrero de 2025). INM paga 220 mdp por instalación de albergues para migrantes. El Sol de México. https://oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/mexico/inm-paga-220-mdp-por-instalacion-de-albergues-para-migrantes-21574564
Sánchez, A. (4 de septiembre de 2024). Se ha reducido 66% cifra de migrantes que cruzan México para llegar a EU: Bárcena. La Jornada. https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2024/09/04/politica/se-ha-reducido-66-cifra-de-migrantes-que-cruzan-mexico-para-llegar-a-eu-barcena-3143
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo. (2024a). Presentación del Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Editoriales Nueva Visión México.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores y Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo. (2024b). Acciones de la AMEXCID en materia migratoria: el antes y el después de la reforma a la Ley de Migración. Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Editoriales Nueva Visión México.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores. (15 mayo de 2024). La Comisión Intersecretarial de Atención Integral en Materia Migratoria adopta el Modelo Mexicano de Movilidad Humana. Comunicado conjunto Relaciones Exteriores-Gobernación- Bienestar-Trabajo-Educación-SAT-IMSS-INEGI. https://www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/la-comision-intersecretarial-de-atencion-integral-en-materia-migratoria-adopta-el-modelo-mexicano-de-movilidad-humana?idiom=es
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