Haiti – Immigration : Charter flights from Haiti cause controversy in Chile
16/04/2025 10:22:28
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Since the beginning of 2025, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), at least 12 charter flights from Haiti have been recorded, operated by Galistair and Aruba Airlines. Each flight carried between 150 and 200 people, for an estimated total of 1,800 to 2,400 migrants.
These flights have sparked political controversy, as no similar trips from Haiti were recorded in 2023 or 2024. The Internal Government Commission of the Chamber of Deputies examined the massive arrival of Haitians on these charter flights earlier this week, raising concerns among legislators from various sectors, who demanded an explanation from the government.
Security Minister Luis Cordero addressed the issue, stating that “the charter flights from Haiti, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior, correspond to people holding family reunification visas” requested and obtained in Haiti. He specified that the majority of the beneficiaries were children and adolescents whose parents reside permanently in Chile.
Among the questions, the Commission requested information on the funding of these flights and whether there were any irregularities in the family reunification process.
Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde explained that these entries are covered by the Immigration Law, which authorizes family reunification visas for minors and dependent elderly persons.
Similarly, Elizalde responded, “I find it inappropriate that the official figures provided to the Commission, which correspond to the files submitted by the Chilean Investigative Police, are being questioned,” ” after a member of parliament questioned the figures, claiming that the number of Haitians arriving in Chile was higher.
S/ HaitiLibre