KNOWLEDGE GAPS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MIGRATION REGULATIONS: HOW MUCH DO MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MIGRATION AND ALIENS LAW IN CHILE?

Abstract

Access to information on obtaining residence permits is a key element in understanding the inclusion of migrants. However, this information is not managed homogeneously throughout the resident foreign community. This article characterizes the information possessed by migrants residing in Chile on relevant aspects of the new migration law (21.325). To do so, it applies a mixed methodology, which combined data from the Citizen Consultation of the Migrant Population residing in Chile (n=2,001) and discussion groups with the migrant population and key people in their process of inclusion. Two main results were found: 1) foreign residents know, at a general level, that a new regulation has come into force, but they do not know relevant aspects of it that impact their daily lives. This is intensified in the most vulnerable population; 2) migrants are informed about the law mainly through extra-institutional means.