“We are giving away 5,000 free passports.”
The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, announced this Saturday, April 6 that his country would offer 5,000 passports to
“highly qualified foreigners”
who agree to settle in the small, poor country of Central America. These passports will be awarded
“to highly qualified scientists, engineers, doctors, artists and philosophers abroad
,” he added.
He specified that the beneficiaries will enjoy Salvadoran nationality and the right to vote, and will be able to import their goods without customs duties.
“Despite their small number, their contributions will have a huge impact on our society and the future of our country
,” continued Nayib Bukele, indicating that he will provide
“more details”
soon.
War on gangs
Nayib Bukele, who became president in June 2019, won a new five-year mandate during the elections of February 4, during which he obtained 84.65% of the votes, favored by his merciless war against the
“maras”
, the gangs that terrorized the country.
Since the launch of this offensive in March 2022, more than 79,000 members of the
“maras”
have been arrested, according to the government, which estimates that these criminal gangs are now 75% eradicated. This draconian policy is widely supported by the population, even if human rights organizations denounce arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, torture and deaths in prison.
Nayib Bukele said that during his new presidential term, which will begin on June 1, his government's efforts will focus on improving the economy. About 30% of Salvadorans live in poverty, and 10% in extreme poverty.