Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The National Institute of Migration (INM) office in Playa del Carmen has begun an internal investigation into appointment selling. The investigation was started after a local law firm filed a complaint due to citizen complaints.
The complaint was filed due to accusations that local “facilitators” book blocks of appointments then sell them. Rates for an appointment are being sold for as much as 3,000 pesos.
The firm who filed the complaint have requested anonymity in fear of retaliation from those illegally selling the appointments. In October of 2024, the government switched over to an online appointment system, a change from the standing-in-line system that had been standard for years.
Now, the only way to get an appointment is to book one online, however, citizens say finding an available timeslot is nearly impossible. According to the law firm, people have had problems since June getting appointments through the online system.
“Since June, getting an appointment has become an impossible task,” said one of the firm’s lawyers. “The system runs out of space in just a few seconds.”
The firm said they have found those booked appointments advertised on social media by people offering to “help” foreigners get INM office appointments. They say they have also found booked appointments being advertised via a QR code on business cards through a WhatsApp number using the INM logo that sells the appointments for between 1,000 and 3,000 pesos.
“Our investigation indicates that the majority of online appointments are being monopolized by a woman. This person profits by selling these appointments through a WhatsApp chat, keeping her identity hidden,” the firm explained.
They say people have also paid for fake appointments that they find out do not exist when they arrive at the INM office, or have paid for appointments that were suddenly canceled and resold to someone else.
Media outlet Animal Politico was able to verify some of the ads selling the booked appointments. According to Animal Politico, the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) has confirmed the start of an internal investigation.
In a letter, the INM’s social communications department said they are aware of the situation and are taking steps starting with an internal investigation. According to the INM, they have opened a “formal investigation” through its Internal Oversight Body. “If there has been any improper conduct (involving any Institute official), there will be consequences,” the agency stated.
The Institute also reported work is underway to “improve the computer system” so that people can no longer monopolize appointments for procedures. “This is already being done. We are working to strengthen protocols to prevent these types of situations,” the agency said.
