Chile Pursues Consular Ties with Venezuela to Expedite Migrant Deportations

From Santiago, Chile – The Chilean government is making a concerted effort to mend at least the consular ties with Venezuela, a move deemed essential for addressing the significant number of Venezuelan nationals residing irregularly in the country. Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado emphasized the necessity of consular services for regularization and background checks, underscoring the administration's commitment to streamlining deportations.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs has indicated that conversations with Venezuela are being initiated to resume a bilateral relationship at the consular level, because we know the number of Venezuelan people in our country who need to resort to a consulate to regularize their situation or seek background checks.

This initiative comes as Chile grapples with a substantial backlog of over 75,000 deportation orders, a considerable portion of which pertains to Venezuelan citizens. The lack of diplomatic relations, severed by Venezuela following the 2024 elections, has created a diplomatic and logistical impasse, preventing direct flights and thus hindering the execution of these orders. The recent expulsion of 40 undocumented individuals to neighboring countries, excluding Venezuelans, has brought this issue to the forefront of public debate.

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In this period, there are more departures from the country than arrivals, and that sends a positive signal.

The government's focus on migration policy, particularly concerning irregular entries, is a key plank of President Kast's agenda, who pledged a firm stance against crime and organized migration during his campaign. With over 330,000 foreigners in irregular situations within Chile, the administration is exploring various measures, including a proposed bill to criminalize irregular migration and incentives for voluntary departures, aiming to regain control over national borders and public security.

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