Chile unveils online work permit verification for foreign workers

Chile's National Immigration Service has launched a free digital Work Authorisation Certificate to assist foreign nationals and employers in verifying an individual's authorization to work in the country. The Habilitación Laboral Certificate, accessible through SERMIG's online immigration platform, includes a QR code enabling digital verification of the document.

This initiative aims to streamline work authorisation checks and minimize administrative paperwork for both foreign workers and employers. The certificate offers digital confirmation of the foreign national's work authorization status and is available at no cost online. However, SERMIG emphasizes that the certificate cannot replace a thorough examination of a foreign worker's overall immigration and work status, which may entail checking immigration approvals, permits, entry records, and residence activation requirements.

Employers are still required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the relevant immigration documentation to ensure the worker meets all necessary criteria. The digital certificate serves as an additional verification tool rather than a substitute for a complete evaluation of work authorization. This development is anticipated to enable employers to swiftly confirm work authorization while providing foreign workers with a convenient digital record of their status.