Chile Tightens Border Controls and Halts Regularization
The new administration has frozen the legalization process for 182,000 irregular migrants and announced plans for large-scale deportations. New legislative measures aim to criminalize illegal entry, signaling a significantly stricter immigration environment for those without formal residency.
Chile Tightens Border Controls and Halts Regularization
Chile’s migration landscape has shifted significantly following the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast. On March 30, 2026, the new administration officially suspended a decree that would have granted legal status to roughly 182,000 irregular migrants. National Migration Service (SERMIG) Director Frank Sauerbaum confirmed that the government is pivoting toward enforcement, citing criminal records found among some applicants as a primary reason for the freeze.
The government is now moving forward with the "Border Shield" plan. This initiative involves deploying military personnel, drones, and surveillance cameras along the northern frontier. Construction of physical barriers began on March 16, 2026, with a goal to secure the border within 90 days. Additionally, new legislative proposals aim to criminalize illegal entry and the facilitation of irregular migration.
Who is affected
The policy shift primarily targets undocumented individuals, specifically the estimated 337,000 irregular migrants currently in the country. While mass deportations are planned for those without valid papers, the impact on the remote work community is more nuanced:
- Digital nomads and expats: If you hold a valid temporary or permanent residency, you are not a target of these measures. However, you should expect stricter document checks and zero leniency for overstays.
- Tourists: Travelers on a Transitory Stay (90 to 180 days) remain unaffected as long as they enter through official ports and comply with their stay limits.
- Irregular status: Anyone currently in Chile without a valid visa faces a high risk of expulsion, as there are over 46,000 pending deportation orders.
What to do
If you are planning to work from Chile or are currently in the country, maintaining flawless documentation is now a necessity rather than a suggestion.
- Always enter through official border crossings to avoid legal complications under the new "Border Shield" laws.
- Apply for all residency permits or visa changes via the official SERMIG online portal.
- Prioritize applying for visas from your home country, as the government is limiting the ability to switch status while inside Chile.
- Check nomad news regularly for updates on pending bills that may further criminalize visa overstays.
Read our full Chile guide for the complete picture.