Chile unveils online work permit verification for foreign workers

Chile has launched a new digital tool designed to streamline the verification process for foreign workers' legal employment status. The National Immigration Service, known as SERMIG, has introduced a free Work Authorisation Certificate called the Habilitación Laboral, which allows both foreign workers and employers to check the validity of a person's right to work in the country. The certificate is accessible via SERMIG’s online immigration platform and includes a QR code that enables employers to quickly scan and confirm a worker’s status. The initiative aims to simplify administrative procedures and reduce the burden of paperwork associated with verifying work authorisations. Employers will benefit from a more efficient method to ensure compliance with immigration laws, while foreign workers gain access to a digital record of their legal status. According to reports, the system was announced following a publication by Fragomen, a global immigration services firm, which highlighted the introduction of the certificate in detail. The Habilitación Laboral is available at no cost and can be accessed directly through SERMIG’s official website. It serves as a digital confirmation of a worker’s eligibility to perform paid work within Chile. However, SERMIG has made it clear that the certificate is not a substitute for a thorough examination of a worker’s immigration documents and status. Employers must still conduct their own assessments to ensure that the individual meets all necessary criteria for legal employment. This includes reviewing immigration approvals, work permits, entry records, and other relevant documentation. The digital certificate is meant to act as an auxiliary tool, providing a quick reference point rather than replacing the need for a complete evaluation of a worker’s immigration status. Employers are advised to use the certificate alongside traditional verification methods to maintain compliance with local labor and immigration regulations. The implementation of this digital tool reflects Chile’s ongoing efforts to modernise its immigration processes and improve transparency in the workplace. By offering a streamlined verification mechanism, the government hopes to foster a more efficient environment for both foreign workers and domestic employers. The move aligns with broader initiatives aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and reducing bureaucratic hurdles in the immigration sector. SERMIG officials have stated that the Habilitación Laboral is part of a larger strategy to digitise immigration-related services. Other similar initiatives are already underway, including electronic applications for visas and residency permits. These changes are expected to contribute to a more seamless integration of foreign workers into the Chilean workforce while ensuring that employers remain compliant with legal requirements. The introduction of the digital certificate comes amid growing concerns about the complexities of verifying work authorisations in an increasingly globalised economy. With more international professionals seeking opportunities abroad, governments are under pressure to implement systems that balance regulatory oversight with ease of use. Chile’s approach appears to address these challenges by providing a user-friendly solution that supports both legal compliance and operational efficiency. The new system is anticipated to be particularly beneficial for multinational companies operating in Chile, as well as foreign workers who frequently travel between countries for employment purposes. By allowing instant verification of work authorisation status, the certificate reduces the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties for employers. At the same time, it offers foreign workers greater clarity regarding their legal standing in the country they are working in. As the system becomes fully integrated into daily operations, further updates and enhancements are likely to follow. SERMIG has indicated that future improvements may include expanded functionality, such as real-time updates to a worker’s status or integration with existing payroll and human resources platforms. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the Habilitación Laboral functions effectively as a supplementary verification tool for employers and foreign workers alike.