📋 Tender Overview
Philippine Ambassador to Chile H.E. Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat met with Ambassador Pedro Hernandez, Assistant Director of International Migration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, to propose more relaxed visa arrangements for Filipino visitors to Chile, as well as to discuss other Consular issues affecting the Filipino Community in Chile. The Ambassador was accompanied by Minister and Consul General Jim Tito B. San Agustin and Ms. Carolina Farias, the Embassy’s interpreter.
The meeting also afforded the Ministry the opportunity to apprise the Philippine Embassy of its new Consular and Immigration regulations that can potentially affect Filipino citizens who wish to visit or work in Chile. For its part, the Embassy expressed its appreciation for Chile’s invaluable assistance in expediting the issuance of a visa upon arrival for Filipinos based in the Falkland Islands and requiring urgent medical attention in Chile.
As one of the next steps following the meeting, the Embassy in Santiago shall arrange a briefing by Ministry officials on entry and residency regulations in Chile.
Consular issues, including the proposal for the relaxation of visa requirements for eligible Filipinos, shall be among the matters to be discussed at the 6th Philippines-Chile Bilateral Consultation Meeting (BCM) scheduled on 18 August 2023 in Manila, Philippines.
There are approximately 860 Filipinos in Chile. OFWs in Chile are generally treated well, hold legitimate contracts, and work for employers who are professionals or businessmen. The Government of Chile is largely seen as pro-worker and strictly implements regulations that protect and grant privileges and benefits to workers.
