In a groundbreaking move, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has announced the country will distribute 5,000 passports for free, a gesture with an estimated value of $5 billion. These passports, however, are reserved for a select group of highly skilled professionals, including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, and philosophers, aiming to enrich the nation with their expertise.
President Bukele has reassured that the initiative, involving a mere 5,000 individuals, will seamlessly integrate into the national fabric without causing any logistical issues, offering them full citizenship benefits. This includes voting rights and access to all the perks associated with Salvadoran citizenship. To ease their transition, El Salvador is also removing taxes and tariffs on the relocation of their families and personal belongings, which encompasses professional equipment and software.
Although the number of beneficiaries is relatively small, the expectation is that their impact on El Salvador's development and innovation will be significant. The country is prepared to welcome these talents, providing them with a conducive environment to thrive and contribute to national growth.
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, has a population under ten million, with San Salvador as its capital. It is nestled between Guatemala and Honduras and boasts a picturesque Pacific Ocean coastline.
Frequently referred to as the 'Land of Volcanoes' due to its geological activity, El Salvador has also been combating gang-related violence, experiencing more than 1,000 related deaths each year. However, President Bukele's aggressive measures against gang violence, including a state of emergency, have shown promising results in reducing crime rates.
With this ambitious passport initiative, El Salvador aims to not only address its challenges but also to pave the way for a more prosperous and secure future, leveraging the talents and skills of exceptional individuals from around the globe.
