Peruvian President Ollanta Humala on Wednesday signed the Law of Economic and Social Reintegration for the Returned Migrant, which provides incentives for Peruvians to return to the country.
During a ceremony at the Government Palace in Lima, President Humala said the initiative is a response to the increasing number of expatriates who returned home after decades living abroad, especially from countries in difficult economic times.
"Over the past few years we have seen a phenomenon of Peruvian men and women who have been in other countries for decades, now begin to return to the country. The trend is on the increase," Humala told reporters yesterday.
According to the president, between 2006 and 2009 some 125,000 Peruvians returned to the Andean nation, while from 2009 to 2011 the number rose to more than 250,000.
In contrast to previous laws which were "very restrictive," Humala said this new law would grant tax exemption, scholarship and other social benefits in order to meet the needs of returning migrants.
The Peruvian leader also stressed the importance of expatriates returning home "because their work and experience abroad will help us increase and strengthen our gross domestic product and national wealth."
(END) NDP/LOG/EEP