In Chile, the number of immigrants has increased exponentially in the last few years. The percentage of the population that is foreign-born multiplied nearly 9 times between 2006 and 2022. In the face of this rapidly shifting scenario, the country lacked a policy to address immigration rooted in democracy, inclusion, and human rights. In 2021, the government passed the Law on Immigration and Foreign Nationals. This was an important step forward, given that the previous law, enacted during the last military dictatorship, treated immigrants as a threat to national security.  

Following a process where Chilean civil society organizations worked side by side with government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, and international agencies, in 2024 Chile enacted its first National Policy on Immigration and Foreign Nationals (Política Nacional de Migración y Extranjería, or PNME). The PNME responds to the Law on Immigration and Foreign Nationals, which calls for the implementation of a policy to promote the integration of immigrants and their participation in the country's social, cultural, political, and economic life. The policy contains an Action Plan with goals, indicators, time periods, and responsible parties. This is a historical milestone for Chile, given that it is the first time the country has established, via collective agreement and with a long-term perspective, a common vision for the future of immigration. The policy values the historical contributions of immigrants to Chile and makes explicit the country's willingness to continue welcoming immigrants.  

The PNME is designed to promote organized, safe, and regular immigration that contributes to Chile's development, taking into account the needs of different areas of the country, as well as to foster the integration of immigrants and respect their rights. This policy is a roadmap derived from a broad collaborative process that involved a wide range of civil society stakeholders who brought different perspectives and approaches.  

Fundación Avina facilitated the formulation of action agendas and promoted the participation of diverse stakeholders in building this national policy. We contributed strategic advising and financial support to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders to participate in the policy construction process and helped foster a common vision for the future of immigration in Chile. Fundación Avina also supported the creation of spaces for collaboration between immigrant-led and pro-immigrant organizations, encouraging dialogue and alignment among civil society groups. 

 The result is an important step forward for Chile and responds to the decades-long demand for the type of immigration reform that is so urgently needed today.