Venezuela, Colombia and Peru were the top three nationalities of newcomers granted temporary residence in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Venezuela registered the strongest increase (+66 000) in temporary flows to Chile compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑28%, to reach around 3 600. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (2 300), Colombia (800) and Cuba (200). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Cuba (29) and the largest decrease nationals of Venezuela (‑1 200). Of the 2 830 decisions taken in 2023, 7% were positive.
Emigration of Chilean citizens to OECD countries increased by 26% in 2022, to 17 000. Approximately 45% of this group migrated to Spain, 10% to the United States and 7% to Germany.
Chile established its first National Policy on Migration and Foreigners (PNME), which outlines a long-term strategy, objectives and measures. The PNME, which entered into force on 26 December 2023, is structured in 10 thematic axes, considers 28 measures of immediate application, and a series of bills to reform the previous legal framework.
A number of measures concerned cost waivers. For example, the Chilean Government subscribed to an agreement with their Bolivian counterparts in September 2023 that will establish zero payment for temporary residency applications of Bolivian nationals, among other measures.
In a similar vein, the National Migration Service and the National Agency for Research and Development reached an agreement in October to facilitate the issuance of residence permits for foreign PhD students and researchers.
In January 2024, the Ministry of Education and the National Migration Service presented an updated policy for foreign children and adolescents studying in Chile which includes 5 strategic axis and 12 new lines of action to guarantee migrants’ right to education.
In the context of this new framework, the National Migration Service launched in May 2024 the Intercultural Mediation Programme for the Integration and Inclusion of migrants. The objective of the project is to train municipal officials as intercultural mediators to promote coexistence and to prevent and resolve conflict in spaces of cultural diversity.
Addressing irregular migration continued being a priority for the Chilean Government. Along these lines, a national biometric registration process was put in place in June 2023 for all foreigners who entered through unauthorised border crossings and had self-reported to the police authority.
Likewise, a new bill to criminalise irregular entry was approved in on 17 January 2024. If enacted, it would allow for short prison sentences or large fines as a punishment for unlawful border crossing. Additionally, the modification includes provisions for preventive imprisonment when the identity of the foreigner is unknown. The bill is currently under review by a specialised commission in the Senate.
On 5 February 2024, a new law came into effect that modifies the conditions to be considered a refugee, and the removal and return procedures for irregular entries. Under the new regulation, only migrants who come directly from the territory where their life and liberty are threatened would be considered refugees. Grounds for removal were also extended to cover irregular entries within 10km from the border, among other modifications. This new law increases the possibility of deportation and grounds for denying the granting of asylum status.
For further information: www.extranjeria.gob.cl | www.serviciomigraciones.cl/en/home/
