New regulations for temporary work permit

As from 1 March 2015 foreigners with a work contract in Chile can apply for a new visa. This involves a temporary work permit “for employment”.

Under the current legislation foreigners staying in Chile with the so-called “Visa sujeta a contrato” are required to find a new job within only one month in case their work contract ends. This puts them in an insecure situation. Since one month is a short time to find a new job many foreigners are ready to accept work under any conditions and for any salary. This leads to unfair competition with Chilean employees.

According to the new legal framework foreigners will have up to one year to find a new job; this creates equal conditions with the local work forces and allows foreigners to look for a job which corresponds best to their needs in Chile.

Furthermore, in contrast to the current legislation, the employer will no longer be obliged to pay for the return flight of his employee and his family. This means that also hiring companies will benefit from the new visa regulation.

It is important to note that the current “Visa sujeta a contrato” continues to be valid for people coming to Chile in order to work for a limited period of time.

Find more information here: Extranjería

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