Immigrants in Chile
Chile has a long history of immigration, dating back to the 19th century when Europeans began to arrive in large numbers. Today, Chile is home to a diverse population of immigrants from all over the world, including neighboring Latin American countries, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
According to the National Statistics Institute, as of 2023, there were approximately 1.58 million immigrants in Chile, making up about 8,1% of the country's total population. The largest group of immigrants in Chile is from Peru, followed by Bolivia, Colombia, and Haiti. There is also a significant number of immigrants from Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.
In recent years, Chile has implemented policies to manage immigration, including a new migration law that was passed in 2018. The law aims to regularize the status of undocumented immigrants, improve border controls, and protect the rights of immigrants in Chile.
Despite these efforts, however, there have been concerns about the treatment of immigrants in Chile. Reports of discrimination, xenophobia, and poor living conditions have been reported, particularly among immigrants who are undocumented or who have irregular status. The government and civil society organizations continue to work to address these issues and promote greater inclusion and respect for the rights of immigrants in Chile.
