Guatemala Prepares for Return of Unaccompanied Minors as IMF Lauds Economic Resilience

Guatemala City-President Bernardo Arévalo announced on Tuesday that Guatemala is ready to receive up to 150 unaccompanied Guatemalan minors per week deported from the United States, even as the IMF concluded its 2025 Article IV consultation, praising the country’s low inflation and robust policy buffers.

The dual announcements underscore Guatemala’s efforts to manage migration challenges and strengthen economic foundations, addressing domestic social priorities and external financial stability.

Return of Unaccompanied Minors

  • In a press conference in Guatemala City, President Arévalo said his government has coordinated with U.S. officials and is “prepared to receive some 150 unaccompanied minors each week” provided the transfers are voluntary or court-ordered.
  • The announcement follows a U.S. federal judge’s 14-day halt on deportation flights involving Guatemalan children, intervening just as ten minors were about to be flown back.
  • Guatemala’s Migration Institute and Social Welfare Secretariat have activated temporary shelters and family-reunification protocols to ensure rapid and safe returns.

IMF Article IV Consultation

  • The IMF’s Executive Board completed its annual review of Guatemala’s economy, commending “prudent macroeconomic management” that has delivered low inflation, ample policy buffers, and favorable market access.
  • Growth is projected at 3.8 percent in 2025, with fiscal deficits around 3 percent of GDP expected to persist before moderating toward 2 percent over the medium term.
  • Directors urged reforms to enhance public spending quality, strengthen revenue mobilization, and bolster governance, including anti-corruption measures and improved financial supervision.

Upcoming Fintech Conference

  • CrossTech Latam 2025, LATAM’s premier fintech and cross-border payments conference, opens in Guatemala City today, drawing global executives to Épica Eventos y Convenciones for discussions on regulatory advances and digital transformation across Latin America.

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