- Venezuelan migrants represented 37% of the total foreign taxpayers in the southern country | Photo: EFE
A total of 772,840 foreign citizens in Chile declared income before the Treasury in Operation Income 2024, for the commercial year 2023. Of that figure, more 285 thousand (37%) were Venezuelan nationalitywho repeat for the fourth consecutive year as the migrant community that declares the most taxes in the southern country.
According to a report from the Chilean media Financial Journal, Venezuelans are followed by migrants from Peru, who represented 15.5% of taxpayers. Other nationalities on the list are: Colombians (12.3%), Haitians (11.0%), Bolivians (8.2%), Argentines (2.9%) and Ecuadorians (2.8%).
For the 2021 business year, Venezuelans represented more than 296 thousand taxpayers, followed by Haitians (128,339), Peruvians (115,285) and Colombians (88,854).
While in the 2020 commercial information, the number of foreign people who declared taxes was 765 thousand people, of which 15.7% (278,312) were Venezuelans.
Venezuelans in Chile
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), by November 2023 more than 7.7 million Venezuelan women will have migrated from their country. Chile is the fifth host country in South America with around 444,000 nationals.
By 2023, the contribution to tax collection by Venezuelans amounted to 1.03% throughout Chilean territory.
Impact of Venezuelan migration in Chile
The World Bank revealed in May 2024 that between 2017 and 2023 the Venezuelan community contributed 0.2% to the real growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). per capita and total of Chile, as well as the reduction of the fiscal deficit.
Likewise, the fiscal sustainability rate of Venezuelans is 1.63, that is, for every peso they receive in social benefits, migrants of this nationality pay 1.62 Chilean pesos.
According to a study on the economic impact of Venezuelan migration in Chile, presented by the IOM in 2023, the fiscal contribution of these foreigners was approximately 409.7 million dollars for 2022 and could increase if those who do not are regularized. They have Chilean documents, but participated in the 2023 registration process.
Registration 2023 in Chile.
It was a national registry that was carried out on foreigners over 18 years of age who entered the country through unauthorized steps or avoided immigration control. The objective was to know the identity of people living in Chile, strengthen security, promote orderly migration and improve the efficiency of public policies.
The study was carried out between April and October 2023 and revealed that 79% of Venezuelan migrants were working. Likewise, 51.2% had higher educational levels, while only 36.9% practiced their profession.
Migrants who received the most work visas in Chile
The National Immigration Service of Chile published on its website the list of work permits that have been issued to foreigners between January and September 2024.
In that period, the State granted a total of 70,277 work visas, with the Venezuelan community receiving the most permits (19,224), which represents 28.80% of the total.
Followed by Venezuelans are Bolivian citizens (16,853), Haitians (8,070) and Colombians (7,997).
“The Venezuelan collective, although it showed a slight increase in absolute terms, with 2,619 more work visas than in 2023, decreased in relative terms, going from representing 32.6% to 27.4% of work visas,” highlighted Luis Eduardo. Thayer, director of the National Migration Service of Chilein an interview with the media BioBio.
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Interview with Dr. Laura Martinez, Migration Policy Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. Recently, it was reported that Venezuelan migrants represent 37% of the total foreign taxpayers in Chile. What does this statistic reveal about the role of Venezuelan migrants in the Chilean economy?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. This statistic highlights the significant economic contributions of Venezuelan migrants to Chile. Over 285,000 Venezuelans declared tax returns, making them the largest group of foreign taxpayers in the country. This not only underscores their willingness to integrate into the local economy but also their commitment to contributing to public finances, which is essential for socio-economic development.
Interviewer: It’s interesting to see Venezuelans leading in tax declarations. How do you think this affects the overall perception of migrants in Chile?
Dr. Martinez: It is a powerful narrative that challenges some of the negative stereotypes often associated with migration. Venezuelans in Chile are showing that they are not just recipients of social services but active contributors. This should encourage a more positive perception of migrants, emphasizing their potential to benefit the local community and economy.
Interviewer: Beyond tax contributions, what other impacts do Venezuelan migrants have on Chile’s economy?
Dr. Martinez: The World Bank has reported that between 2017 and 2023, the Venezuelan community contributed to the real growth of Chile’s GDP. Not only are they providing labor – with about 79% of Venezuelan migrants reportedly working – but they are also stimulating demand for goods and services, which can help drive economic growth in various sectors.
Interviewer: The document mentions that migrants received a significant number of work permits. How does this align with Chile’s immigration policies?
Dr. Martinez: The increase in work permits, particularly for Venezuelans, reflects Chile’s recognition of the need for skilled labor and the desire to regulate migration. By issuing nearly 20,000 work visas to Venezuelans this year, the government is facilitating legal pathways for migration while also addressing labor shortages in specific industries.
Interviewer: Lastly, what do you think the future holds for Venezuelan migrants in Chile, both economically and socially?
Dr. Martinez: If current trends continue, I believe that Venezuelans will increasingly integrate into Chilean society, both economically and culturally. As they establish themselves, I expect to see enhanced contributions to the economy alongside greater representation in various sectors. However, it will be crucial for the Chilean government and society to create supportive frameworks that promote inclusion and mitigate any potential tensions regarding migration.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martinez. Your insights shed light on the significant impact of Venezuelan migrants in Chile and the broader implications for migration policy.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me; it’s an important conversation!
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. Recently, it was reported that Venezuelan migrants represent 37% of the total foreign taxpayers in Chile. What does this statistic reveal about the role of Venezuelan migrants in the Chilean economy?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. This statistic highlights the significant economic contributions of Venezuelan migrants to Chile. Over 285,000 Venezuelans declared tax returns, making them the largest group of foreign taxpayers in the country. This not only underscores their willingness to integrate into the local economy but also their commitment to contributing to public finances, which is essential for socio-economic development.
Interviewer: It’s interesting to see Venezuelans leading in tax declarations. How do you think this affects the overall perception of migrants in Chile?
Dr. Martinez: It presents a powerful narrative that challenges some of the negative stereotypes often associated with migration. Venezuelans in Chile are demonstrating that they are not just recipients of social services but active contributors. This should encourage a more positive perception of migrants, emphasizing their potential to benefit the local community and economy.
Interviewer: Beyond tax contributions, what other impacts do Venezuelan migrants have on Chile’s economy?
Dr. Martinez: The World Bank has reported that between 2017 and 2023, the Venezuelan community contributed to the real growth of Chile’s GDP. Not only are they providing labor—approximately 79% of Venezuelan migrants are employed—but they are also stimulating demand for goods and services, which can help drive economic growth across various sectors.
Interviewer: The document mentions that migrants received a significant number of work permits. How does this align with their integration into the labor market?
Dr. Martinez: The issuance of work permits reflects the Chilean government’s recognition of the Venezuelan community’s potential to contribute to the economy. With 19,224 work visas granted to Venezuelans recently, they represent nearly 30% of the total work permits issued. This highlights their importance as labor force participants and underscores the potential for further integration into the Chilean workforce, particularly if they have the necessary support for professional recognition and training.
Interviewer: What measures could be taken to further enhance the economic contributions of Venezuelan migrants in Chile?
Dr. Martinez: To maximize their contributions, the Chilean government could focus on regularizing those who remain undocumented and providing access to vocational training programs. Additionally, facilitating pathways for professional credential recognition would enable many Venezuelans to work in their trained professions, which would not only benefit them personally but could also fill critical skill gaps in the Chilean economy.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for shedding light on the contributions of Venezuelan migrants in Chile.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue discussing these topics to foster a more inclusive and prosperous society for everyone.
