ARGA service
COMAR Asylum and Protection
Mexico is one of the most open countries in the world for international protection. COMAR (Comisión Mexicana de Ayuda a Refugiados) reviews applications for refugee status and complementary protection within 45–90 business days. Refugee status grants the right to work, education, healthcare, and an accelerated path to permanent residency. ARGA Mexico specializes in cases involving political persecution, criminal manhunts, and threats to safety.
Who can obtain refugee status
Mexico grants international protection to people who: are persecuted on political, racial, religious, or other grounds; are fleeing armed conflict or mass violence; have suffered systematic human rights violations; are persecuted for refusing to participate in criminal activity or serve in armed groups (pacifist asylum). Complementary protection is granted to people who face serious harm upon return — even without grounds for refugee status.
The COMAR procedure
The application must be filed within 30 business days of entering Mexico or after the grounds for protection arise. Procedure: registration with COMAR → photographing and fingerprinting → in-depth interview (oral history) → case review (45–90 business days) → decision. If approved, a refugee recognition document and work permit are issued. ARGA prepares the legal position and supports the client at every stage.
Preparing the personal statement
The quality of the personal statement (historia personal) is a key success factor. ARGA works with the client to produce a detailed, chronologically consistent, and legally sound account of the persecution. We gather supporting documents: media publications, legal analyses of the situation in the country of origin, court materials, and medical certificates when needed.
Appeals and challenging refusals
If COMAR issues a negative decision, an appeal to the Commission (recurso de revisión) is available, followed by challenges in administrative and judicial bodies (amparo). ARGA analyzes the grounds for refusal and develops a well-reasoned appeal. In parallel, we assess alternative paths to legalization.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for asylum if I have an Interpol Red Notice?
Yes. Having a Red Notice is not an obstacle to filing with COMAR. Refugee status in Mexico creates an additional legal shield against extradition and can be used in the process of challenging a Red Notice through the Interpol CCF.
Can I work while my application is being reviewed?
Yes. After registering with COMAR, the applicant receives a temporary document (constancia de trámite), which allows them to legally stay in Mexico. A work permit is issued after a positive decision.
What happens if COMAR refuses?
A refusal can be challenged through an appeal within COMAR, then in the courts through amparo. ARGA analyzes the grounds for refusal and develops an appeal strategy. Alternative paths — residency, humanitarian status — are considered in parallel.
Discuss your case
Initial consultation — no upfront payment. We will assess the prospects and propose a defense strategy.