Labor market insertion of professional Venezuelan immigrants in northern Chile: precariousness and discrimination in the light of migration policy

José Berríos-Riquelme

doi:10.1590/1980-85852503880006208

José Berríos-Riquelme

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-85852503880006208

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Abstract

Abstract This article describes the labor market insertion experiences of a group of professional Venezuelan immigrants in northern Chile. Using a qualitative methodology, fourteen people who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed. The participants' discourses show that their experiences have been stressful because they have not been able to revalidate their degrees, have to take on jobs for which they are overqualified, and suffer exploitation and discrimination. The stories are analyzed based on previous studies and related theory, finding that the main factor affecting this reality is the current Chilean immigration legislation, which has an orientation based on control and national security. It is concluded that the current immigration legislation facilitates immigrants' labor precariousness and contributes to their situation of vulnerability.

Highlights

In the last ten years, Venezuela has suffered a crisis that has reached unprecedented characteristics in contemporary South American history
The stories are analyzed based on previous studies and related theory, finding that the main factor affecting this reality is the current Chilean immigration legislation, which has an orientation based on control and national security
The analysis reveals two broad issues in the labor market incorporation of the participants

Summary

Introduction

In the last ten years, Venezuela has suffered a crisis that has reached unprecedented characteristics in contemporary South American history. Different political and economic variables, nationally and internationally, combined and impacted Venezuelan society, which is currently suffering hyperinflation, poverty, shortages, political instability, and repression at all levels (Buxton, 2018; Pittaluga et al, 2020). This reality has led thousands of Venezuelans to leave their country, to the point that this phenomenon of human mobility is considered one of the largest exoduses of the present century (Organización Internacional de las Migraciones [OIM], 2019). The number of these people exceeded the estimates made by international organizations, leading to the fact that since 2018, several countries added additional requirements for Venezuelan nationals to enter through their borders (HRW, 2020)

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