Cozumel for 6 months!!

[zinmaker]

So here in the U.S, what did NAFTA get us?

 

[Christi]

So what you are saying is that if my girlfriend can find a job there it works 10 or more mexicans and no other foreigner, she can maybe get a work there?

Seems very hard to get a legit work down in Mexico. Its to bad, I think that if there wasnt so hard to get a legally work, people wouldnt work ilegal. Do you have a lot off not legal workers on cozumel?

Have a great day everybody!

You need to understand that this a tropical vacation destination, and tourism is the economical base here. With that in mind, the rules and regulations for working here are much more stringent. Otherwise, we would have people from all over the place coming to work for a few months and then taking off to their next adventure as well as taking jobs away from the locals.

There are general rules for obtaining a work permit in Mexico. Then there are local immigration laws/regulations as well. In other parts of Mexico, I'm sure she would have much better luck having someone sponsor her, but here in Cozumel, finding a sponsor is very difficult. Companies are not willing (and who can blame them) to fork out the expenses to hire a foreigner, obtain the proper paperwork, and pay the required employment taxes, etc. for someone who is not making a long term committment. Six months is a very short period of time.

Are there illegal workers here? I'm sure there are, but not as many as you might think. Most businesses are not willing to pay the fines associated with hiring illegal workers if caught. The fines are VERY high. It is also highly frowned upon and will bring problems. Also, like I said, immigration is really cracking down and I have heard of several deportations in the last few months. I recently received a notice of the new work permit requirements for both new permits and for renewals. One example: foreigners can no lnger incorporate themselves for the sole purpose of obtaining work permits. In order to form a corporation, the initial investment must be no less than $150,000 USD within the first 6 months of business. For a frame of reference, this number is $500,000 in Canada. Taxes must be paid on time, and you must have a minimum of one employee who is paid social security (medical coverage) taxes, and the pension plan that all employers are required to pay in Mexico.

You may not like or agree with these laws/regulations...but if you want to be a guest in this country, you must obide by them or face the consequences.

 

[richhagelin]

My name is Swedish. Any chance that I can get a scholarship to go to Cozumel for 6 months?

Rich Hagelin

 

[andreas_sweden]

I do understand why its stringent and I thank you for explaining again how serious it could be to get cought working ilegal! Is there any help organisations my girldfriend can get involved with on the island? I mean, while im away 8 hours/day it could be nice for her to have something to do.

Rich: You must be a swedish citizen to obtain this scholarship. Be between 20 - 30 years old and dont have a other work or something. This scholarship is for young people, who are looking for work exprecience in a foreign country. Its kind off hard to get this scholarship.