Asylum and refugee status in Chile

SERMIG describes the refugee claim as protection for people persecuted for their political opinion, race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular social group who fear for their life, safety or freedom in their country of origin, and for people fleeing generalised violence, foreign aggression, conflict, massive human rights violations or serious disturbances of public order. Each case is assessed individually, including the availability of state protection in the country of origin or an intermediate country and the projected risk on return.

The claim is made in person within seven working days of entering Chile, at the Refuge Department in Santiago or at SERMIG's regional directorates. In an initial admissibility interview officials check whether the facts match the refugee criteria; the claim is either rejected or admitted for processing.

If admitted, SERMIG calls the applicant to a compulsory individual interview with specialist staff of the Department of Refuge and International Protection. Information must be truthful and supported by evidence. SERMIG then prepares a report for the Commission for the Recognition of Refugee Status, which recommends a decision to the Undersecretary of the Interior, who grants or rejects the claim.

A person recognised as a refugee receives definitive residence and the associated international protection, which includes a travel document and the guarantee of not being returned to a country where their life, safety or freedom is at risk.

Applicants hold temporary residence while their claim is examined. If the claim has not been decided within eight months, they can request an extension (prórroga de refugio) online with ClaveÚnica, uploading photos of their passport, national ID, Chilean identity card and electronic stamp; the extension can only be requested once the previous residence permit has expired. SERMIG's regional directorates answer questions in person from Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m.