FA Minister: Migrants in irregular situation will not enter Peru

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

01:00 | Lima, Dec. 2.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela reaffirmed that irregular migrants who attempted to enter Peruvian territory on Monday afternoon were returned to Chile and will remain in the neighboring country.

During the first session of the Binational Committee on Migration Cooperation held recently, Peru and Chile agreed to prevent the flow of irregular migrants between the two countries, the government official stressed.


In remarks to reporters, the Foreign Affairs Minister explained that the migrant population at said border is not in any situation of limbo as it is on Chilean territory.

The diplomat emphasized that humanitarian law will be applied in full. However, it should not be confused with the right of transit.

"At no time will we stop enforcing Peruvian laws," he stated.

The high-ranking official indicated that the situation at the border has been stabilized with increased police and military presence, which is authorized by the state of emergency declared on the Peru-Chile border, along with constant patrols in the zone.

The Cabinet member ruled out, for the time being, the creation of a humanitarian corridor, as that would involve coordination with Ecuador and Colombia, "assuming that the majority (of the migrant population) are Venezuelan citizens."

In this context, Foreign Affairs Minister De Zela described the first meeting of the Binational Committee on Migration Cooperation as positive.

He assured reporters that the initial agreements—joint patrols, coordination between police forces, and the exchange of information between Peru's National Police and Chile's Carabineros—reflect the spirit of collaboration between both countries in addressing this situation.

(END) NDP/JCR/MVB

Publicado: 2/12/2025