Mexico Cracks Down on Year-End Worker Dismissals

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) has reported sending letters to employers who dismiss workers from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Housing Fund for Workers (Infonavit) in December only to rehire them in January 2026.

“Letters have been sent to employers who allegedly engage in these practices, with the purpose of having them review whether their workforce management complies with current regulations,” stated the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the Mexican Social Security Institute, and the National Housing Fund for Workers.

According to the government, sending letters to employers who, for the sixth consecutive year, dismiss their workers in December to rehire them in January prevents the violation of workers’ rights and the evasion of labor and social security obligations.

“Non-compliance with labor and social security obligations has legal consequences, which put companies’ finances at risk and can even cause employers to face administrative and fiscal responsibilities,” commented the government entities.

The agencies said it is extremely important that workers and their families are always protected with all the benefits to which they are entitled.

They recalled that unjustified dismissals negatively impact the continuity of labor, social security, and housing rights for affected workers.

“Sixty-three percent of the jobs lost between November and December 2024 correspond to positions registered as permanent,” they commented.

The agencies added that while legitimate temporary contracts exist, many workers dismissed in December and rehired in January are registered by employers with IMSS as permanent, and these dismissals are a completely irregular practice.

During January 2025, 142,398 workers dismissed in December 2024 from IMSS and Infonavit were rehired by the same company, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

For addressing questions and obtaining more information, the agencies made the following channels available to interested parties:

• IMSS offers the phone number 800 623 2323, option 5, then option 1.
• Infonavit assists through Infonatel Patrones at 55 9171 5050 for Mexico City and the metropolitan area, as well as 800 008 3900 (free of charge) from anywhere in the country.
• Regarding labor rights, PROFEDET provides guidance at 800 717 2942 and 800 911 7877.
• The Registry of Specialized Service Providers or Specialized Works (REPSE) resolves doubts at 55 3067 3000 and 55 3000 2100 extensions 20005, 63160, 65104, 65235, 65311, and 65344, as well as via email at buzonciudadano.repse@stps.gob.mx.
• The Federal Labor Inspection receives complaints and reports through the Labor Complaints and Accidents System (SIQAL) at siqal.stps.gob.mx; as well as at 5520005700 extensions 65338, 65354, and 65314 or via email at inspeccionfederal@stps.gob.mx and centromando.dgift@stps.gob.mx.