El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has approved the Special Law on Benefits and Protection for the Diaspora and People on the Move, a legal framework designed to protect Salvadorans living abroad, facilitate their voluntary return, and strengthen their contribution to national development. The legislation received 60 votes in favor.
The law offers significant incentives, including a tax exemption for the importation of household goods valued at up to $100,000 and up to two vehicles—without paying import taxes or first registration costs. It also permits the tax-free importation of machinery and tools used for work or economic activities, aiming to promote co-development and investment in communities of origin.
Representative Ana Figueroa of the Nuevas Ideas party highlighted that a similar $70,000 household goods benefit already in place has assisted more than 2,000 families, exempting taxes on goods worth $44 million over the past two years. She emphasized that with this legislation, El Salvador becomes the first country in Central America to implement a comprehensive protection law for its diaspora.
The regulation also creates mechanisms for institutional coordination to provide comprehensive assistance to Salvadorans abroad and returning citizens. It further establishes guidelines for Labor Mobility Programs, which have already benefited more than 18,000 Salvadorans and generated $76.3 million in remittances, according to Representative Walter Alemán.
“This law marks a historic milestone. El Salvador now protects and supports its citizens throughout every stage of the migration cycle,” Figueroa stated.
The new legislation positions El Salvador as a regional leader in safeguarding the rights, economic participation, and reintegration of its diaspora while strengthening the country’s connection with its global community.
