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On Monday, December 16, 2024, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum met at Mexico’s National Palace to discuss key areas of cooperation between the two countries. Enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared challenges, particularly regarding migration, were key points in the agenda.

This is the third meeting between Petro and Sheinbaum in just three months: They had previously met during Sheinbaum’s inauguration as Mexico’s first female president on October 1 and later during the G20 summit in Brazil in November, where they had a private meeting reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation.

According to a press release from the Colombian side, the two leaders agreed to boost coordination on migration management, aiming to improve the processes in the flow of people between the countries. Petro’s administration also emphasized the need to ensure better treatment for Colombian citizens who transit through Mexican airports, following complaints of mistreatment in the past.

This issue has generated complaints for years. In April 2024 Cambio published an in-depth story on the unjustified and abusive behavior of airport officials toward Colombian travelers. “Regardless of the measures being taken by the Embassy, Colombians continue to face xenophobia and mistreatment by immigration officials in Mexico. This includes psychological and verbal abuse, extortion, and unjustified denials of entry, all without access to effective mechanisms to defend their rights, either in Mexico or Colombia”, mentioned the article.

According to Cambio, during the first three months of 2024 alone, 13,839 Colombians were denied entry to Mexico at the airport.

Short after the publication of this piece, the Colombian Ambassador to Mexico, Moisés Ninco Daza, held a meeting with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Migration Institute, the Migration Policy Unit of the Ministry of the Interior, and the airlines operating between the two countries, that led to a series of agreements that were reached to “improve the treatment of Colombian nationals, eliminating any form of abuse or discrimination,” as Ambassador Ninco announced via Twitter/X.

Nevertheless, the issue was still central in the meeting Petro and Sheinbaum held in December. They also discussed other issues, such as how to deepen collaboration on historical and cultural initiatives, particularly with a new project to locate the remains of José María Melo, a 19th-century Colombian leader whose legacy has been important for Petro.

In an effort of maintaining strong diplomatic relations and fostering regional stability, Petro has also held recent meetings with the presidents of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, and from Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou.

Headline photo: Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (Photo: Presidencia de la República de Colombia).

In a conclusive decision aimed at addressing the operational inefficiencies and labor disputes in the country’s migration services, Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the creation of 544 new jobs within Migración Colombia, the special unit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dealing with immigration control of nationals and foreigners. The initiative responds to longstanding union demands and aims to ensure smooth service for travelers, particularly after a recent labor protest caused widespread delays at major airports.

Over the past few years travelers entering Colombia have faced wait times of three to four hours at key airports, including Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport and José María Córdova Airport in Rionegro. These delays were the result of a critical shortage of personnel, leaving migration officers unable to process the increasing flow of passengers efficiently.

The problem escalated during peak travel seasons, exposing vulnerabilities in Colombia’s ability to manage its growing role as a tourist and business destination. The surge in tourism, celebrated as a sign of Colombia’s economic and cultural growth, placed additional pressure on already understaffed migration offices.

On December 3, 2024, the two main unions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs —the Union Nacional Sindical de Empleados de Migración Colombia y Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (UNASEMIG) and the Organización Sindical de Empleados de Migración Colombia (OSEMCO)— declared a strike. This protest, described as a “plan tortuga” or work slowdown, led to chaos at major airports and sparked widespread criticism. Travelers faced hours-long delays, prompting urgent intervention by government officials.

The unions cited unfulfilled promises made in 2023, when a decree added 123 new jobs to the migration workforce, leaving over 500 positions unaddressed. The unions also demanded better working conditions and technical training for employees, arguing that the current staffing levels were insufficient to handle the nation’s migration demands.

“Immigration officers are not even able to eat, they cannot go to the bathroom,” said Yeison Mesa, president of OSEMCO, to Blu Radio.

A Swift Response from the Foreign Ministry

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo acted quickly, meeting with union representatives to negotiate a resolution. During the discussions, they addressed the staffing shortage, technical capacity-building measures, and improvements in employee working conditions.

“The dialogue always will be the way forward,” said Murillo. In a X/Twitter post, he praised the role of migration officers, noting their contributions to controlling migratory flows and promoting tourism. “The growth of tourism has been significant in recent months, and it is thanks to the collective effort of everyone involved,” he added.

On December 5, 2024, the government issued a decree modifying previous legislation regarding Migration Colombia’s workforce. This decree officially created 544 new positions that are expected to avoid delays and improve the experience for both domestic and international travelers.

“The leaders of the two unions agreed to stop the protests after the meeting” expressed Martha Hernandez, Director of Migration Colombia, via Twitter/X.

The newly created jobs will begin integrating into the migration workforce in 2025. Officials anticipate that the added personnel will significantly reduce wait times at airports, improving operational efficiency and enhancing Colombia’s reputation as a welcoming travel destination.

Headline photo: El Dorado Airport. (Photo: Carolina Cuervo)

In December 2024, the Colombian government announced an increase to the minimum wage for 2025. The new monthly minimum wage has been set at COP $1,423,500, excluding the transportation subsidy.

With the transportation subsidy of COP $200,000, the total compensation workers must receive is COP $1,623,500 per month. This adjustment will apply to all workers covered under the minimum wage regulations, including domestic workers.

Base Salary: COP $1,423,500

Transportation Subsidy: COP $200,000

Employer Contributions to Social Security:

Health: COP $120,998

Pension: COP $170,820

“Caja de Compensación” Benefit Fund: COP $56,940

Occupational Risk Insurance (ARL): COP $7,431

Social Security Contributions

Both employers and employees are required to make social security contributions. These payments ensure compliance with Colombian labor laws and protect workers’ rights to healthcare, pensions, and other benefits.

Employer Contributions

Employers must contribute the following amounts monthly:

Health: COP $120,998

Pension: COP $170,820

“Caja de Compensación” Benefit Fund: COP $56,940

Occupational Risk Insurance: COP $7,431

Employee Contributions

Employees are also required to contribute to their social security, with deductions made from their salaries:

Health: COP $56,940

Pension: COP $56,940

These contributions must be paid punctually to avoid penalties and ensure adherence to Colombian labor regulations.

Impact on Domestic Workers

The revised wage structure applies to both full-time and part-time employment arrangements for domestic workers.

Daily Wage for Part-Time Domestic Workers

Domestic workers employed daily will receive COP $54,117 per day in 2025. This figure includes the proportional amount of the monthly transportation subsidy. However, the transportation subsidy is not applicable for live-in workers, which may reduce the total cost for employers while maintaining the base salary.

Monthly Wage for Full-Time Domestic Workers

Full-time domestic workers will earn a base salary of COP $1,423,500. When factoring in the transportation subsidy, the total payment due to the worker rises to COP $1,623,500. However, employers must also account for mandatory social security contributions, bringing the total employer cost to approximately COP $2,093,568. This amount includes:

Additional Considerations

Employers hiring live-in domestic workers are not obligated to pay the transportation subsidy. This adjustment reduces the financial burden on employers while maintaining the mandated base salary. All employers are urged to review their payroll systems to ensure compliance with the new wage and contribution requirements for 2025.

A small plane with ten individuals, including eight passengers and two crew members, crashed in a remote area of Antioquia. The Cessna 402 aircraft, HK2522, had departed from an airport in Juradó, Chocó, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, going to Medellín’s Olaya Herrera Airport. The plane went missing shortly after losing radar contact around 5:40 p.m., according to Rubén Darío Lesmes Bustamante, manager of Pacífica de Aviación (the airline operating the flight) declarations to El Colombiano on Wednesday.

On Thursday, wreckage believed to be from the missing aircraft was located in the jurisdiction of Urrao, Antioquia, in the Piedras Blancas area, a location that is difficult to access. A search helicopter spotted what seems to be the plane during ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) confirmed in a press release.

As soon as the plane lost contact, search-and-rescue protocols from Aerocivil (Servicio de Búsqueda y Salvamento, SAR) were activated to locate the aircraft. This mechanism has the participation of officials from the Mayors’ Office of Medellín, Urrao and Juradó, Civil Defense, Firefighters, BRAC (Colombian Aeronautical Search and Rescue Group), DAGRAN (Administrative Department of Risk Management of Antioquia.), Air Force and National Army, are currently working to reach the crash site on this operation that started on Wednesday.

Initial reports suggested the crash may have occurred in Cerro San José, but after thorough reconnaissance flights, the wreckage was ultimately identified in Cerro El Burro.

The remote location means a significant challenge, requiring approximately one hour of travel by road from Urrao’s main town square, followed by an additional four hours on difficult terrain. Weather conditions have further complicated the operation, with authorities hoping for clearer skies to facilitate rescue efforts and determine the cause of the crash.

Aerocivil released the identities of those on board. The crew consisted of Captains Santiago Montoya and Luis Guillermo Clavijo. The passengers were identified as Angie Sanclemente, Greimar Castro Sanclemente, Grettel Castro Sanclemente, Raquel Palacios, Cristal Sofía Hernández, Danny Moreno Culma, Miguelina García, and Yoarledis Valencia. Unfortunately, none of them survived the accident.

Furthermore, five of the passengers belonged to the same family, including a mother, her two children, and two grandchildren; two of whom were among the three minors on board.

Carlos Andrés Ríos, director of the DAGRAN, confirmed that the wreckage had been spotted in the rural outskirts of Urrao. “I have been informed that the missing aircraft has been located in the rural area of Urrao,” Ríos announced on Twitter/X.

The search team arrived at the scene of the tragedy on Friday. The bodies of the victims were transported by land to be delivered to their families

Headline Photo: The area between Betulia and Urrao, where the plane is believed to have gone down. (Photo: Aerocivil)

Sandra Ortiz, former presidential advisor for the regions, was sentenced to prison on December 18, 2024, in connection with the corruption scandal involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd). With this ruling, Ortiz becomes the highest-ranking official in President Gustavo Petro’s administration to face incarceration over this scandal.

During a hearing, the Third Guarantees Court of Bogotá ordered Ortiz’s detention. She faces charges of influence peddling and money laundering, accusations she has denied. “I have endured the worst ordeal for not accepting a plea deal, and I will fight to the very end to prove my innocence.”, Ortiz proclaimed during the hearing. She also alleged that her imprisonment resulted from “a conspiracy orchestrated by a high-ranking government official close to President Petro”.

Ortiz also implicated Laura Sarabia, director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency (Dapre), during the detention hearing. She claimed Sarabia was aware of irregularities in the contracts for water tankers destined for La Guajira. “At the time, I informed Laura Sarabia about the tankers. We knew the commitment we had as a government to address the issues in La Guajira. This is a great lie, a smokescreen they fabricated,” Ortiz stated.

After these allegations Sarabia denied any accusation, asserting her involvement with the Ungrd began after the events in question. She tweeted: “I joined Dapre on February 28, 2024. One of my first actions, agreed upon with the president, was to request the resignation of the Ungrd director and suspend all contracts.”

Sarabia has since filed defamation and slander charges against Ortiz, stating through her attorney, Jorge Mario Gómez Restrepo, that Ortiz must provide evidence to support her claims. Gómez Restrepo told Caracol Radio: “We have filed a criminal complaint for defamation and slander. Ortiz made accusations for which she must be held accountable. She presented no concrete evidence to substantiate her claims.” He added: “We are prepared to pursue this matter to its conclusion. While I understand Ortiz’s family situation, making baseless accusations requires accountability and proof.”

Who Is Sandra Ortiz?

Sandra Ortiz joined President Petro’s administration in May 2023 as a presidential advisor for the regions. Hailing from Boyacá, Ortiz built her political career with the Green Party, serving as a congresswoman in 2014 and later as a senator. Her ties to regional politics are notable. Her siblings, Jhon and Elena Ortiz, served as mayors in Boyacá, and she has longstanding connections with Carlos Amaya, the governor of this region.

Ortiz is accused of acting as an intermediary to deliver approximately $681 million USD in cash to then-Senate President Iván Name. The funds, allegedly sourced from public contracts, were reportedly given as incentives to expedite government reforms in Congress. These actions led to her indictment on charges of influence peddling and money laundering. Prosecutors deemed her continued freedom a threat to the investigation.

Headline photo: Sandra Ortiz (Photo: https://x.com/SandraOrtizN/)

The economic committees of both Chambers of the Congress of Colombia voted against the tax reform bill presented by the government of President Gustavo Petro. The proposed legislation, aimed at raising $9.8 trillion COP to address the budget deficit for 2025, was rejected. 

With this decision, the Ministry of Finance, led by recently appointed Diego Guevara, will need to adjust the funding available for the Colombian government’s operations in 2025. The reform had been drafted by former Minister Ricardo Bonilla, who resigned earlier this month following a corruption scandal involving another entity from the government.

A predictable consensus?

The defeat was secured with votes from the right-wing opposition parties, independent parties (including the Liberal and Conservative parties, both of which had previously expressed their discontent through official statements), and some members of the Green Party, despite its partial alignment with the government. Only the left-wing parties in the governing coalition supported the bill.

Congressmen Miguel Uribe and Christian Garcés, who presented their arguments against  the bill, pointed out that the reform was inconvenient and asserted that it further affected an economy that is not going through its best moments. 

“The tax reform is not convenient, it is designed to discourage business formalization, increase the tax burden on individuals, erode investment and savings,” Uribe argued.

Other strong arguments were the low execution rate of the current budget —according to Dapper, as of November 2024 the budget execution rate was the lowest since 2019— and the potential consequences of eliminating the Simplified Tax Regime (RST), which the reform had proposed. Introduced to boost business and labor formalization in Colombia, the RST simplified taxation for small businesses by basing it on gross income rather than net profit.

Luis Fernando Mejía, CEO of the Colombian think tank Fedesarrollo, voiced his concerns about the viability of the project on Twitter/X just hours before the proposal was rejected. 

Mejía criticized measures such as tripling the carbon tax, due to its negative impact on the productive sector, and also warned that the reform would introduce a “minimum presumptive dividend,” a concept that could lead to double taxation on 30% of corporate profits, creating uncertainty and further discouraging investment. Also, he suspects “presumed minimum dividend” could result in double taxation on 30% of corporate profits, potentially creating uncertainty and further discouraging investment.

Earlier this year, president of AmCham Colombia Maria Claudia Lacouture also expressed her concern with the bill in an interview with La República, pointing that “In the current context of economic slowdown, with multiple pressures keeping growth below 1.2%, the best tax reform would be austerity and public spending execution, combined with strategies to foster investment, build trust, and create certainty. This approach could not only generate short-term investment but also attract foreign investment to the country.”

Petro’s administration to face the consequences — and the year to come

Government officials who attempted to save the reform at the Congress expressed their disappointment at this failure. President Gustavo Petro, through his Twitter/X account, offered hints about the government’s future tax policies, stating: “The budget crisis will not be paid for by the people,” meaning that social programs would remain unaffected, and added: “The fight against tax evasion, starting with online gambling and smuggling, must become a central priority.” 

Additionally, with discussions on the labor reform bill proposed by Petro’s government postponed until 2025, Petro suggested that this delay “must be compensated by [a significant increase in] the minimum wage.”

Finance Minister Diego Guevara, according to El Tiempo, described the death of the tax form bill as more than just a ‘fist’ to President Petro, stating: “This is a vote against the regions, a vote against investment,” meaning it is as a setback for regional investment in Colombia and development projects.

The coming year, 2025, will be the last before the 2026 presidential election to determine Gustavo Petro’s successor. In this context, the 2025 budget will now be established via a decree, adjusted to exclude the revenue the failed reform sought to generate.

Headline Photo: Capitolio Nacional (Photo: Oficina de Información y Prensa Cámara de Representantes)

Colombia’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area, including Germany, faces potential suspension due to a significant increase in asylum requests from Colombian nationals. Joachim Stamp, Germany’s Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements, issued a warning about the potential consequences of continued misuse of asylum mechanisms during an interview with El Tiempo.

Stamp emphasized the importance that Colombians following legal migration pathways, particularly through Germany’s specialized worker migration program. “Migrating through this law offers great opportunities to work and live in our country,” Stamp explained.

Last September the two countries had signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to establish a migration partnership aiming to create structured migration pathways, while strengthening bilateral ties and addressing labor market needs in Germany. At the time, Stamp mentioned Germany’s interest in attracting young Colombian professionals to its labor market while discouraging asylum applications. “Colombia is a key partner with whom we maintain close contact. This joint declaration marks a significant step forward,” quoted a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Rojas Rodríguez clarified to El Tiempo: “The right of asylum is not being denied, what worries us is that there are criminal networks that traffic migrants using illegal mechanisms and deceiving people so that they go to Germany for asylum. What Germany says is that they do not need that.”

Asylum applications from Colombians in Germany have surged by an unprecedented 4,700% over the past six years. However, 99.7% of these claims are denied, resulting in mandatory repatriation for most applicants. Stamp highlighted that abusing the asylum process could also jeopardize Colombia’s privilege of the Schengen visa exemption.

The situation follows the recent decision of the United Kingdom to reinstate visa requirements for Colombians following similar circumstances. Stamp also mentioned in the interview that discussions are already underway among European Union member states about the possibility of taking such measures.

Currently, the Schengen visa exemption allows Colombians with valid passports to travel to most EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa.

Stamp remains optimistic about managing the issue, but he warned that the situation must be addressed promptly to prevent further restrictions.

Headline photo: Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Rojas Rodríguez and Joachim Stamp, Germany’s Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements (Photo: Jorge Rojas / Twiter/X )

PriceSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PSMT), operator of 54 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one US territory, on Wednesday, January 9th announced results for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, which ended on November 30, 2024.

First Quarter Financial Results

Total revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 increased 7.8% to $1.26 billion USD, compared to $1.17 billion USD in the comparable period of the prior year. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, net merchandise sales increased 7.8% to $1.22 billion USD from $1.14 billion USD in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Net merchandise sales – constant currency increased 8.2% over the comparable prior year period. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted net merchandise sales negatively by $4.7 million USD, or 0.4%, versus the same period in the prior year.

Pricesmart had 54 warehouse clubs in operation as of November 30, 2024, compared to 53 warehouse clubs in operation as of November 30, 2023. Comparable net merchandise sales for the 52 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months increased 5.7% for the 13 weeks ended December 1, 2024, compared to the comparable 13-week period of the prior year. Comparable net merchandise sales – constant currency for the 13 weeks ended December 1, 2024, increased 6.1%. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by 0.4% versus the same period in the prior year.

Pricesmart recorded operating income during the fiscal first quarter of $58.3 million USD, compared to operating income of $58.2 million in the prior year period. Net income decreased 1.6% to $37.4 million USD, or $1.21 USD per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 compared to $38.0 million USD, or $1.24 USD per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 was $79.1 million USD, compared to $77.8 million USD in the same period last year.

Headline Image: Photo credit: Loren Moss.

Avianca has commenced a new route connecting Bogotá to Quibdó, enhancing Colombia’s domestic air travel network. The service operates three times weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft, each accommodating up to 180 passengers, thereby offering 1,080 seats per week between the two cities.

This development positions Avianca as the sole airline providing direct flights between Bogotá and Quibdó. The airline’s domestic network now spans 40 routes, reaching destinations from San Andrés in the north to Leticia in the south, and from Quibdó in the west to Arauca in the east.

The flight schedule is as follows:

Bogotá to Quibdó: Flight AV8478 departs at 9:45 a.m., arriving at 10:50 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Quibdó to Bogotá: Flight AV8477 departs at 12:33 p.m., arriving at 1:25 p.m. on the same day.

Tickets are available for purchase through Avianca’s official channels, including their website, mobile application, physical sales points, and authorized travel agencies.

In addition to expanding its route network, Avianca emphasizes its commitment to social responsibility by supporting organizations that provide medical and humanitarian assistance in underserved regions. The airline’s operations in areas like Chocó and Arauca aim to facilitate access to essential services and contribute to regional development.

This new route is part of Avianca’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity within Colombia, offering increased travel options for both residents and visitors.

Avianca has announced its intent to expand operations between Florida and Latin America, unveiling plans for four new routes and a new destination: a direct flight between Tampa and Bogotá. The proposed routes are set to begin operations in 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

Expanded Florida-Latin America Connectivity

Avianca aims to strengthen its presence in Florida by introducing routes linking:

  • Fort Lauderdale with Medellín and Managua.
  • Miami with San José, Costa Rica, and Guatemala City.
  • Tampa with Bogotá, marking Tampa’s first direct connection to Latin America in nearly 50 years.

This brings Avianca to 16 routes between Florida and Latin America

With these additions, Avianca’s total direct routes from Florida to Latin America would increase to 16, reinforcing its position as a major operator in the region.

“Avianca recognizes Florida’s historic importance as a gateway to Latin America,” said Avianca CEO Frederico Pedreira. “We aim to enhance opportunities for family reunification, tourism, and business growth. In 2024 alone, we transported over 4 million passengers on more than 27,000 flights between the U.S. and Latin America. These new routes address our customers’ needs for direct connectivity to key destinations.”

Tampa, one of Florida’s largest metropolitan areas, will connect directly to Bogotá. From there, travelers will have access to over 75 destinations across 25 countries in the Americas and Europe. Additionally, domestic connections in Colombia will link travelers to cities such as Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Quibdó, and Leticia. Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport (TPA), commented, “The Tampa-Bogotá route is significant, offering the first direct connection between TPA and Latin America in decades. This service will benefit business and leisure travelers while providing new opportunities for cultural and commercial exchanges.”

Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, highlighted the importance of the Tampa-Bogotá connection. “This route strengthens ties between Colombia and the U.S., our largest tourism market, and expands Colombia’s connectivity in Florida, including Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. Together with Avianca, we continue promoting Colombia as a world-class destination for tourism and commerce.” Avianca plans to conclude 2024 with a network of 165 routes across more than 25 countries, including eight new destinations. This expansion underscores its commitment to increasing connectivity and supporting regional development. The new operations are subject to approval by relevant government authorities, including the Fort Lauderdale-Managua route, which requires permissions under Fifth Freedom rights through San Salvador.

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