Chile: Information on whether a person who was born in Chile in 1962 to Chilean parents and who later became a citizen of Argentina would still be recognized as a citizen of Chile
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CHL16258.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Chile: Information on whether a person who was born in Chile in 1962 to Chilean parents and who later became a citizen of Argentina would still be recognized as a citizen of Chile, 1 January 1994, CHL16258.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab3193.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a consular officer at the Embassy of Chile in Ottawa, in principle Chile does not allow multiple nationality with any country except Spain (19 Jan. 1994). There are exceptions, however, and even if Chilean nationality is lost the person can still apply to recover Chilean nationality, although the procedure would likely involve renunciation of the Argentine citizenship (ibid.).
The source stated that a provisional law that expires in August 1994 allows for exceptions to the general rule that one cannot hold multiple nationality and that one will lose Chilean nationality by acquiring another country's nationality or citizenship (ibid.). The consular officer provided a document on "conservation of Chilean nationality" (declaración de conservación de la nacionalidad chilena in Spanish) that details procedures and considerations for the conservation or recovery of Chilean nationality. A copy of this document, which is in Spanish, is available to the DIRB and can be provided upon request.
Finally, the consular officer stated that an Argentine citizen does not need a visa to enter Chile, so an Argentine citizen who has lost and wants to recover his or her Chilean nationality can apply directly to the authorities in Chile (ibid.). Applying in person in Chile would likely speed up the procedure, although applications can be submitted and processed through a Chilean consulate or embassy (ibid.).
Please find attached a copy of Chapter II of the Constitution of Chile ("Nationality and Citizenry"), as published in Constitutions of the Countries of the World.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Embassy of Chile, Ottawa. 19 January 1994. Telephone interview with consular officer.
Attachment
Flanz, Gisbert H. et al. October 1991. "Chile," Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, pp. 40-41.
