Chile has announced new immigration measures that could significantly reduce the number of Haitians entering the South American country.
“We want these people to enter Chile in accordance with our laws, integrate into our society, be a contribution to our country and realize their dreams of a better life,“ President Sebastián Piñera said as he announced plans to introduce legislation to regulate migratory flows, through the application of visas.
Figures released by the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI), in February, revealed that 11,619 Haitians entered Chile, while the figure dropped to 5,477 in March due mainly to the decision by Latin American Wings (LAW) airline to temporary suspend flights.
This came after Chilean authorities expressed concern at the number of illegal or undocumented Haitians arriving in the country.
The figures reveal the majority of foreign nationals in Chile are from Haiti, Venezuela and Colombia.
Piñera said that among the measures being contemplated include having Haitians obtain a simple tourist consular visa, with the right to enter and stay in Chile for a maximum period of 30 days. He said holders of this visa will not be able to work or earn money in Chile.
Haitians who already have a family member in Chile having a regular immigration status, will be able to access the 12-month family reunification visa. This visa must be requested from the Consulate of Chile in Haiti and will be subject to a maximum annual quota.
Other new measures include an entry ban for persons with criminal records, the creation of a national migration service, mandatory application outside Chile for a temporary residence visa that will not be interchangeable with a tourist visa and a simplified eviction mechanism for offenders.
The new measures are expected to come into force on April 23, this year.
