Embargo Executed After Unpaid Fines
Chile's National Migration Service (Sermig) has embargoed the current accounts of low-cost airline JetSmart after the company accumulated 42 fines for violating migration regulations. The sanctions, imposed between 2023 and 2025, total 781,422,879 Chilean pesos, equivalent to 10,820 UTM. The violations primarily involved transporting foreigners to Chile without the required entry documentation, as well as failing to provide passenger lists to authorities.[S1][S2]
The fines were originally reported by the Investigations Police (PDI). Sermig stated that the embargo was requested after the sanction procedures concluded and the airline was given opportunities to present its defense. According to the migration agency, JetSmart's arguments failed to refute the facts underlying the fines. The agency also noted that the company had not paid the fines over an extended period.[S1][S2]
Official Confirms Measure and Vows Continued Oversight
Frank Sauerbaum, director of Sermig, confirmed the measure, explaining that the agency, in compliance with Law 21.325, retained the accounts of a national airline for breaching the Migration Law by bringing in foreigners without the necessary visas and permits. He emphasized that these were million-dollar fines that the company had left unpaid for a long time, and that the justice system had sided with the agency.[S1]
Sauerbaum added that Sermig would continue to inspect airlines and provide training to prevent future violations. The agency has already conducted two training sessions with representatives of commercial airlines to reinforce compliance with migration rules and passenger document verification. These sessions also addressed recent changes in entry requirements, such as Circular No. 6 on minors and Resolution No. 15,106, which eliminated document flexibilities for Venezuelan citizens after consular relations resumed between Chile and Venezuela.[S1]
Broader Context of Airline Fines
In recent years, other airlines, including Latam, COPA, Aeroregional, and American Airlines, have also faced fines from the migration service. The agency requires airlines to request appropriate documentation from each passenger and verify their migration status at the time of ticket sale to avoid sanctions. This latest action against JetSmart highlights the ongoing enforcement efforts by Chilean authorities to ensure compliance with migration laws.[S2]
