Venezuela, Colombia and Peru were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2021. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Haiti registered the largest decrease (‑22 000) in flows to Chile compared to the previous year.
In 2022, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 100%, to reach around 5 100. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (3 400), Colombia (800) and Cuba (200). The largest increase since 2021 concerned nationals of Venezuela (+1 400). Of the 1 740 decisions taken in 2022, 3% were positive.
Emigration of Chilean citizens to OECD countries increased by 28% in 2021, to 12 000. Approximately 34% of this group migrated to Spain, 13% to the United States and 8% to Colombia.
On 12 February 2022, a new immigration law came into effect. Under its provisions, foreigners must generally make their visa application from abroad prior to entering Chile and the possibility of changing from tourist to resident status has been abolished. Along with the changes, a new National Migration Service has been put in place, replacing the previous Immigration Office of the Ministry of the Interior. The new service has responsibility for decisions on residence visa applications. In contrast to the previous situation, the Consular Directorate (Dirección General Consular, DIGECONSU) under the Foreign Affairs Ministry is now only responsible for temporary residence (tourist) visa applications.
Possibilities for deportation have been enhanced as part of the changes. In May 2022, an Interministerial Committee for further development of the immigration legislation was established. From December 2022, the National Migration Service has been equipped with a civil society advisory board.
In December 2022, the results of the National Survey of Immigrants, the first of its kind in Chile, were released. It provides information on the integration trajectories and living conditions of the five main origin groups of migrants.
By April 2023, several hundred migrants from Venezuela were stranded at the border with Peru, after being denied entry to the country. A number of these were later repatriated to Venezuela.
In May 2023, the pilot of new integrated border system was inaugurated. It aims at both improving border observance at the posts from 2.5 km to up to 10 km. Also in May 2023, a new comprehensive statistical reporting system on migration permits was initiated.
For further information: www.extranjeria.gob.cl | www.serviciomigraciones.cl/en/home/
