Peru’s Foreign Ministry reversed a previous decision on Wednesday to require visas for Mexican visitors. In a press statement, originally published in Spanish, officials stated the rationale for the reversal was a potential negative impact to the country’s tourism sector and a commitment to the free movement of people and goods.

The decision to abandon the April 8 Supreme Decree that removed visa-free travel for Mexican citizens was framed as an economic choice. Peru’s tourism sector, as of 2019, accounted for nearly four percent of the country’s gross domestic product and employed around 725,000 people. The number of people employed represented about 4.1 percent of the total workforce. Furthermore, the sector is seen as a key area of sustainable growth for Peru as it seeks to diversify the economy from reliance on natural resource extraction.

Additionally, Peru is a member of the Pacific Alliance. The organization promotes the “free mobility of goods, services, resources and people.” Both Peru and Mexico are members.

The Supreme Decree to remove visa-free travel for Mexican citizens was issued after a similar measure was enacted by Mexican authorities on April 4. Mexican officials stated their decision to impose the visa requirements was in response to a significant increase in the number of Peruvian nationals entering Mexican territory to engage in activities not authorized under their visitor status.

New visa requirements highlight the surge of migrants and asylum seekers coming through Central America and Mexico on their way to the US. Migrants have been increasing stranded in Mexico as US border states like Texas and Arizona have passed restrictive immigration policies.