A growing number of foreigners living in Tulum have taken to the streets, protesting what they perceive as unfair exclusion from free access to the beaches of Jaguar Park. The federal nature reserve has been a point of contention, with local residents allowed to enter for free by showing their National Institute of Statistics (INE) ID.
However, thousands of expats who have made Tulum their permanent home without becoming citizens or regularizing their status are left out of this benefit. Many of these foreigners use the “visa run” technique to avoid paying taxes and other obligations by renewing their tourist status every six months in neighboring Belize.
The protesters argue that they should be treated equally to locals, but without having to pay taxes or submit to the Mexican system. The Tulum mayor, Diego Castañón, has stated that he can only provide benefits to citizens who are legally recognized as residents of the town.
Park authorities have suggested an alternative solution, accepting electricity or water bills as proof of residency. However, this proposal was previously tried and failed due to the ease with which multiple foreigners could present the same bill for a single apartment.
At the heart of the debate lies the question: what is the line between living as a foreigner in Mexico and taking advantage of its benefits without obligation? Tulum has been marketed as a paradise, attracting expats who want to live “outside the system” without paying taxes or undergoing paperwork.
However, Mexicans pay taxes and face numerous obstacles, so why should foreigners who make Mexico their residence not do the same? The issue is not whether foreigners should have free access to the beaches, but rather whether it’s fair to demand rights without assuming responsibilities.
Some argue that foreigners should be allowed to prove they live in Tulum and receive benefits accordingly. Others believe that if they want the full package, they must also take on the same obligations as locals.
The debate raises complex questions about the relationship between Mexico and its expat community. As the town of Tulum continues to grow and attract more foreign residents, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved.
Source: LJA
