BUENOS AIRES – As Argentine President Javier Milei signed the new immigration reform decree (DNU 366/2025), the free healthcare benefits for foreigners residing in Argentina are effectively on the verge of being abolished. In response, Dr. Marta Guerreño, a Paraguayan physician residing in Argentina and a member of the National Network of Migrant Leaders (Red Nacional de Líderes Migrantes), strongly criticized the Paraguayan government's indifference, expressing deep concern within the Paraguayan immigrant community.
Immigrants' Anger at Paraguayan Government's "Hands-Off" Attitude
In an interview with Radio Monumental, Dr. Guerreño directly stated, "The root cause of this problem is the Paraguayan government itself." She criticized the Paraguayan government for abdicating its responsibility to negotiate with the Milei administration and secure a special agreement for healthcare services for Paraguayan immigrants in Argentina, instead shifting this burden onto immigrant organizations.
"The Paraguayan government must take responsibility. The president and diplomats need to step up and resolve this issue. They should establish a special agreement with Argentina, like Brazil did, to ensure their citizens enjoy all benefits. Why isn't Paraguay making such an effort? It's because the Paraguayan government has no interest in its own immigrants," Dr. Guerreño's voice conveyed deep disappointment.
According to Dr. Guerreño, approximately 15% of Paraguay's population are emigrants, and their remittances contribute enormously to the Paraguayan economy. Data from the Central Bank of Paraguay in 2023 shows that overseas remittances totaled around $1.2 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion Korean Won), accounting for a significant portion of Paraguay's GDP. Despite this economic contribution, she emphasized that the Paraguayan government treats its citizens abroad merely as "piggy banks" and offers no protective policies.
Dr. Guerreño stressed that Paraguayans residing abroad are not asking for subsidies or special benefits from the government, but rather for it to faithfully carry out its basic duties of issuing documents and representing its citizens abroad. She also criticized the Paraguayan government's decision to close some consulates last year, pointing out that this made the process of obtaining legal residency documents even more difficult for Paraguayans living overseas.
How Will the New Immigration Decree Affect Paraguayan Immigrants?
President Milei's immigration reform decree 366/2025 still lacks detailed regulations, leading to much uncertainty. This decree is expected to significantly impact Paraguayan immigrants in Argentina, especially undocumented individuals or those with temporary residency permits.
Dr. Guerreño explained that while this measure will not affect those with permanent residency, it could lead to medical and educational fees for those with temporary residency permits (valid for two years) or those who are undocumented. However, she added that not all hospitals and universities will be subject to this decree.
"It's important to note that there might be differences in the application of the decree between provincial and national hospitals. Provincial hospitals may not be bound by this decree, but national hospitals will certainly be affected. Therefore, it won't affect all Paraguayans living in Argentina, but rather those with temporary stay permits or those temporarily residing."
Some argue that healthcare fees should be imposed because immigrants do not pay taxes. Dr. Guerreño strongly refuted this claim, stating, "Argentine citizens are not paying special taxes for the health of foreigners like Paraguayans or Bolivians." She emphasized, "All citizens living in Argentina pay the same taxes, and immigrants are also tax contributors." Her logic is that immigrants also pay various taxes, including consumption taxes, while living in Argentina, and therefore are already paying for their own healthcare.
Nations Dependent on Immigrant Remittances Urged to Act Responsibly
There is a growing call for countries highly dependent on remittances from their citizens abroad, like Paraguay, to demonstrate a more responsible attitude toward protecting their nationals. Especially given the increased anxiety among immigrants residing in Argentina due to the Milei government's radical reform policies, active diplomatic efforts by the Paraguayan government are urgently needed.
The Paraguayan government should use this situation as an opportunity to comprehensively review its policies for citizens abroad and devise practical measures to protect immigrants' rights. It is crucial to ensure that its citizens can lead stable lives overseas by entering into special agreements with other countries, similar to Brazil's example, which will ultimately contribute to enhancing Paraguay's national competitiveness. Paraguayan immigrants should no longer be neglected by their government's indifference.
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