El Salvador grants skilled foreign workers five thousand passports

In an effort to attract foreign investment and strengthen the nation's economy, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador said on Saturday that the country is providing 5,000 "free passports" to highly skilled foreign workers.

The president announced in a statement posted to X that scientists, engineers, physicians, artists, and philosophers will be awarded “full citizen status,” which includes the ability to vote.

By removing taxes and tariffs on "moving families and assets," such as hardware, software, and intellectual property, El Salvador will further assist in their relocation.

According to Bukele, the group's contributions will have a significant influence on the nation of Central America going forward.

Bukele has also been in charge of a harsh and highly criticized anti-crime campaign. He says it has greatly increased security, but critics say it has led to widespread violations of human rights, such as mass arrests and reported torture in prisons.