Irregular foreign entries to Chile decrease by 45%

The entry of foreigners into Chile through irregular means has decreased by 45%, thanks to the military presence in the country’s northern border areas, reported Manuel Monsalve, the Deputy Secretary of the Interior, on Friday.

Comparing figures, Monsalve stated that by August of the previous year, 23,000 people were detained for irregularly entering Chile.

In contrast, this number has fallen to 13,000 in 2023.

80% of irregular migration was attributed to Venezuelan nationals, but this proportion has now dropped to 48%.

“We have enhanced control and security at the border, reducing irregular entries and particularly those by Venezuelan citizens,” said Monsalve during an interview with “24 Horas” TV channel.

A few months ago, the Chilean government launched a military strategy in the northern border to curb the surge in uncontrolled migration, especially at the Chacalluta border complex in Arica’s municipality, located more than 1,600 kilometers north of the Chilean capital.

According to the latest data by the National Institute of Statistics and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Chile had a foreign resident population of 1,482,390 in 2021.

Addressing this situation, Chile’s National Migration Service (Sermig) initiated a voluntary biometric registration for foreigners who entered the country irregularly, towards the end of June.

Sermig clarified that this initiative targets foreigners aged over 18 who entered Chile by unauthorized routes or bypassing migration controls and are currently residing in the nation.

The move is part of the Chilean Government’s efforts to strengthen national security and have accurate records of those residing within its borders.