Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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President Daniel Noboa issued Decree 448 to make Ecuador’s 2025-2029 National Security Plan mandatory public policy nationwide. The plan names organized crime, narcotrafficking, illegal mining, money laundering, corruption, and cyberattacks among the country’s main risks.
The share of migrants and refugees in Ecuador with a bank account rose from 11% in 2022 to 48% in 2025, according to figures presented at a financial-inclusion event in Quito.
Private health insurance continues to grow in Ecuador, with more than 1.7 million people covered and health insurance premiums reaching USD 180.5 million in 2025.
Ecuador issued Decree 441 on July 3, raising maximum values for certain social-interest housing categories. The change matters for buyers and developers watching subsidized housing, preferential mortgages, and lower-cost home inventory.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Ecuador’s Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorist. Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry thanked the United States for the backing.
Ecuador's Registro Civil says citizens can continue going to agencies without a prior appointment for cedulas and passports through December 31, 2026. The agency says it issued 1.2 million identity cards and 217,201 passports between January and June.
A new report on digital recruitment describes how criminal groups use social media, narcoculture symbols and algorithmic engagement to pull minors toward illegal activity. The warning comes as adolescent arrests and violent deaths among minors remain a major national concern.
Quito drivers can request compensation when a vehicle is damaged by potholes or municipal work, using an EPMMOP process that requires photos, a traffic report and repair documentation. The city’s pothole damage is estimated at $20 million to $30 million a year.
Ecuador added 10 substances to its controlled list after warnings about synthetic-drug risks and abuse potential. The change also comes with a plan to create 24 provincial committees to coordinate drug policy in the territories.
Ecuador launched a national policy for 2026-2035 to reduce adolescent pregnancy, keep girls in school and coordinate health, education and social services. The country records more than 32,200 births each year among girls and adolescents ages 10-19.
A group seeking a recall process against President Daniel Noboa asked Ecuador's electoral authority for signature forms on June 9. The process would require support from 15% of the electoral roll, representing more than two million signatures nationwide.
President Daniel Noboa named Roberto Kury as Ecuador's new foreign minister after Gabriela Sommerfeld resigned for personal and health reasons. The change matters to expats because the Foreign Ministry oversees mobility, consular services, visas, and Ecuador's international agenda.
