Chile – Migration Cooperation with Bolivia

WHY THIS MATTERS

Both agreements promote ‘regular’ migration and discourage the ‘irregular’ entry of Bolivian workers, which had been on the rise during 2024.  They also contribute to facilitating:

• the formalized and regularized status of people who come to Chile to perform seasonal work – especially in the agricultural sector;
• the timely processing of temporary permits;
• the training of employers and workers; and
• the identification of possible improvements in migration processes. 

Eliminating the government fees linked to visas and work permit applications under the Migration Cooperation Agreement will help to lower costs for such workers and their employers.  Additionally, by streamlining the application process and reducing administrative burdens, companies can focus more on their core operations and strategic growth, while workers can benefit from a more efficient and accessible system.  Taken all together, this could yield economic opportunities and a more efficient migration framework.

KPMG INSIGHTS

Both of these agreements respond to the growing needs of the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on migrant labor; moreover, they foster respect for workers' labor rights.

Additionally, these new agreements include a commitment to improve the processing times of visa applications, which will help facilitate a more effective and streamlined process for migrants, paving the way for them to enter the country and contribute to the agricultural sector in a timely, efficient manner.  This will also help reinforce their ability to benefit from quicker access to legal status and employment opportunities.

Individuals and employers that have questions about how these agreements impact them and how they may appropriately avail of their terms should consult with their qualified immigration advisers or a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in Chile (see the Contacts section).