The migratory crisis on the Peru-Chile border has worsened in recent weeks, with foreign citizens attempting to enter Peruvian land irregularly or evading Chilean security (forces) on their way south.
Some journalistic reports denounced that these events had been occurring even since 2022 and that Peruvian or Chilean law enforcement could not control the arrival of immigrants.
Learn about the chronology of the migratory crisis that has broken out in the southern border area.
January 12, 2023
The Chilean Senate approves the law that allows the Armed Forces to protect the borders.
Within this framework, the proposal allowed law enforcement to be deployed in border areas to protect "critical infrastructure."
March 15, 2023
Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced a "plan to improve infrastructure and habitability conditions" for members of the Carabineros (Chilean national law enforcement gendarmerie) and the Armed Forces in the north of his country.
The dignitary also said that his government would promote two bills to speed up the expulsion processes for foreigners who commit crimes.
April 12, 2023
Foreigners stranded at the border increase.
Following the measures decreed by Chilean President Boric, families of different nationalities decide to attempt to enter Peru despite the lack of required documents.
April 23, 2023
Chilean military denounced for allowing migrants to enter Peru.
Cuarto Poder investigative journalism TV program aired a story in which it was witnessed how Chilean military and police taught migrants about prohibited and illegal routes to enter Peru irregularly.
April 23, 2022
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that it will have a "serious conversation" with Chile.
Once the journalistic story had aired, the Peruvian Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that it would have a "serious conversation" with Chilean authorities following the complaint over the illegal passage of foreigners.
April 25, 2023
The UNHCR warns of an increase in migrants stranded at the border.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative in Peru, Federico Agusti, stated that the humanitarian problem on both countries' border "is going to increase" given the intention of migrants to settle in either of the two countries.
April 26, 2023
Peru announces immigration reform.
President Dina Boluarte announced a package of measures to control the migratory crisis.
A state of emergency in all border areas, plus the intervention of the Armed Forces and the application of amnesty towards all foreigners in an irregular migratory situation whose papers are in order, were declared.
April 27, 2023
Foreigners cross the border into Peru.
From the Linea de la Concordia (Concord Line), dozens of undocumented migrants managed to cross the border into Peru and evaded police surveillance, despite the fact that shots were fired into the air to attempt to stop their advance.
April 27, 2023
Amnesty International calls on Peru and Chile to stop the militarization of borders.
The NGO asked both countries to put an end to their measures given the precariousness of migrants.
April 28, 2023
Peruvian Armed Forces arrive in a conflict zone.
Peruvian Interior Minister Vicente Romero arrived at the border accompanied by the Armed Forces to start the implementation of a humanitarian corridor that allows the transfer of hundreds of migrants to their country of origin.
April 28, 2023
The Peruvian Foreign Affairs Ministry calls Chilean ambassador.
The aforementioned ministry summoned Ambassador Oscar Fuentes to express "its protest at the lack of collaboration shown by Chilean police authorities."
May 2, 2023
Chilean authorities announced the start of the registration of undocumented migrants —the same ones who are stranded for almost 20 days on the border with Peru.