President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador announced 5,000 free passports worth $5 billion. According to reports, talented professionals will receive free passports. The $5 billion passport program project seeks foreign scientists, engineers, medics, artists, and philosophers.
Bukele said this will make up less than 0.1% of the country’s population. Since they’re few, granting them full citizenship and voting rights won’t be difficult. He also promised to help them move and waive taxes and tariffs on families, assets, and valuable commodities like equipment, software, and intellectual property.
Bukele underlined the potential impact these individuals could have on society and the nation’s future despite their small numbers. Although few, these experts will have a major impact on society. El Salvador also exempts passport program participants from relocation taxes and tariffs, promoting their integration and contribution.
El Salvador is Central America’s smallest country, with less than 10 million people. San Salvador is its capital, and it borders Guatemala, Honduras, and the Pacific Ocean.
Also known as the ‘Land of Volcanoes’ due to its frequent volcanic activity, the country has encountered gang violence. According to government data, El Salvador had over 1,000 fatalities in 2021 and 2020 and over 2,000 in 2019.
The state of emergency Bukele’s administration has declared to combat crime groups has reduced violent incidents, according to records. Bukele is leading El Salvador to a safer future despite high homicide rates.
