REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS IN CHILE 455,494
PEOPLE TARGETED IN 2020 254,000
FUNDING SITUATION
FUNDED: 0.7%
REQUIREMENT: 31,500,000
Situation
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According to the latest figures released by the Immigration Department and the National Statistics Institute, it is estimated that as of December 31, 2019, there are nearly 455,500 refugees and migrants from Venezuela in Chile. This represents more than 30% of the total foreign population residing in the country (1.49 M).
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The arrival and rapid spread of COVID-19 in Chile has substantially affected the operational environment and has had very tangible consequences for refugees and migrants from Venezuela. The closure of all borders to foreigners and non-residents, the halting of Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures and the slowing of other regularization processes as well as the closure of businesses has particularly impacted on refugees and migrants from Venezuelan. The closure of businesses in the service industry, often employing refugees and migrants under precarious conditions, has hit these communities particularly badly. The lack of documentation and challenges with renewal have placed limitations on refugees’ and migrants’ abilities to access basic social services, including health services.
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A follow-up discussion was held with regards to the agenda for the sixth round of the Quito Process. As incoming President pro tempore, Chile will set the thematic agenda for discussions and is expected to host the next meeting in Santiago de Chile.