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Colombia – Changes to immigration rules, including sanctions and fines

Colombia
07.08.18
1
Written by
Brigard Urrutia, more than 85 years as the leading law firm in Colombia.
The Immigration and Global Mobility Update shows the changes in global mobility and immigration from around the world over the past few months. We aim to update you regularly.

By Resolution 1238, 2018, which came into force on 16 May:

Where there has been a breach of the law caused by ignorance of the law or failure to report on time, there is now a period of 90 days in which the party responsible can try to rectify it. If rectified, the penalty for the breach will not be charged.

Deportation has become the primary sanction for ‘irregular stay’, but under special circumstances, the authorities can convert the penalty to a fine.  Voluntary departure may be requested so as to avoid deportation.

Moderate breaches of immigration law are now subject to much higher penalties, ranging from 8 to 40 minimum legal monthly salaries. Under the previous rules, the penalties were from 1 to 15 minimum legal monthly salaries.

Authors
Catalina Santos
Partner - Colombia
Brigard Urrutia