
The Commission on Salvadorans Abroad, Legislation, and Government issued a favorable opinion to ratify an agreement between El Salvador and Guatemala that will allow dependent family members of diplomatic, consular, administrative, and technical personnel from both nations to legally access the labor market of the host country, under a framework of clear rules regarding labor, taxes, and social security.
The agreement, signed on march 25, establishes that spouses, unmarried children under 21, children under 25 pursuing higher education, and persons with disabilities who are financially dependent on the official may request authorization to work in the country where the diplomat is accredited, always through the corresponding diplomatic mission and with the approval of the competent authorities.
According to the opinion, this mechanism seeks to provide greater economic stability to the families of officials abroad, as well as generate opportunities for professional development and international work experience, in addition to strengthening legal certainty by establishing clear obligations regarding taxes and social security.
The agreement would also promote the strengthening of bilateral relations between El Salvador and Guatemala, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, technical capabilities, and professional experience between the two countries.

The document also specifies that beneficiaries will be subject to the legislation of the receiving country regarding labor, tax, and social security obligations, without this implying automatic recognition of academic degrees or the granting of civil or administrative immunities related to employment.
Regarding criminal immunity, the sending State may evaluate requests for waiver when there is an investigation or legal process related to the beneficiary’s work activity. Furthermore, the work authorization will expire no later than two months after the diplomatic or consular official completes their duties in the receiving country.
The agreement will enter into force once both States notify each other of the completion of their internal approval procedures and will have indefinite validity, although it may be terminated by either party through written notification, which will take effect 90 days later, without affecting authorizations already granted.
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