On Friday, the Mexican Government announced a major administrative simplification to facilitate the return of Mexican nationals from the United States, through the modernization of the Household Goods (Menaje de Casa) paperwork procedures and the implementation of a new Consular Service Model.
During President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s morning press conference, Minister of Foreign Relations Juan Ramón de la Fuente explained that this measure is part of ongoing efforts to transform and digitize consular services, eliminate intermediaries, and reduce costs and processing times for Mexicans who are repatriated or who choose to return voluntarily.
One of the most notable improvements is the reduction of requirements for the Household Goods paperwork procedures, which allows individuals to bring personal belongings into the country without paying import duties.
The process now only requires two documents: an ID proving Mexican citizenship and a list of the goods to be imported. It can also be completed free of charge and online through the “Mi Consulado” webpage, with a response time of just one day—down from the previous 15-day timeframe.
José Peña Merino, head of the Digital Transformation Agency, reported that an average of 1,000 Household Goods applications are processed annually, and that 819 have already been registered so far this year. He also explained that the new system simplifies the process into five steps, from online authentication to confirmation of submission.
In addition, Minister De la Fuente reminded the public that the Mexican Consular Support Line is available 24/7. Mexicans in the United States can call 520 623 7874, and those in Mexico can dial 079 for assistance with consular, legal, or protection-related issues.
As part of the enhancement of the Consular Service Model, the Ministry of Foreign Relations has also expanded its network of free legal assistance, which now includes nearly 2,000 professionals trained to support Mexican migrants in detention or vulnerable situations in the United States.
Through these initiatives, the Mexican Government aims not only to ease the return process for nationals living abroad but also to protect their rights and ensure a dignified return, offering faster, more humane, and a technology-driven service.
Related: Mexico Achieves 100% Simplification of Consular Paperwork with New Digital Model
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
