Mexican authorities have begun to more often refuse Russian citizens entry into the country, said Andrei Troyanovsky, head of the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Mexico. At the same time, the consul does not see discrimination against Russians, the agency reportsTASS. Citizens of other countries experience similar problems.
«We are seeing a slight increase in the number of entry denials, but such close attention to travelers from Russia and the post-Soviet space is caused by the growing flow of illegal migrants from these countries who use Mexico as a transit zone for further entry into the United States», — the agency quotes the consul. «We do not see any signs of abuse of power on the part of the migration service or violation of the rights of Russian citizens». Andrei Troyanovsky added that Russians who are in the migration transit corridor awaiting departure due to a refusal of entry are provided with everything they need, therefore there is no reason to worry in terms of a threat to their life or safety.
The Russian Consulate in Mexico City receives directly from the Mexican Migration Service lists of everyone who is denied entry. «All visitors who are interviewed by the Border Patrol or are denied entry have the right to call the embassy, although this right is exercised by a minority», — noted the consul. «Most of the questions come from other people who introduce themselves as acquaintances or relatives and are sometimes unable to explain why the guest of the state is coming». Troyanovsky believes that «no discrimination is seen» in relation to Russians, but «in light of the increasing flow of Russian citizens to the north through Mexico» State authorities have begun to take a more careful approach to checking papers, which virtually eliminates “wild tourism.”
The consul reminded that for short-term trips to Mexico, in addition to a regular visa or electronic permit, the tourist also needs documentation confirming the purpose of the trip. You must have a return ticket, hotel reservation, proof of financial means or other guarantees of residence in the country. «At the same time, the final decision on entry across the border is made by the border officer, and a visa does not constitute a guarantee of entry», — he emphasized. If entry is denied, all responsibility and expenses for the return of the guest to the country fall on the airline that transported him to Mexico, including provision of food.
TASS, citing the words of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Evgeny Ivanov, additionally reported that Russia is now working to prepare a draft visa-free agreement with Mexico. This is not the first such statement by Russian officials in recent years.
Illegal migration from Mexico to the United States is one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship between the two powers. According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in fiscal year 2022 (through September 30, 2022), 2.2 million illegal migrants were apprehended at the border, which is a record figure.