Normal issuance of RUTs, ID cards to resume as strikes end

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Workers at Chile’s Internal Revenue Service and Registrar’s Offices have ended strikes that disrupted the issuance of provisional national identification numbers (RUTs) and Chilean ID cards.

What does the change mean? Foreign employees will be able to obtain provisional RUTs (which are issued by the Internal Revenue Service) and Chilean ID cards (issued by the Registrar’s Office) as normal. Delays should be expected, however, given that processing came to a halt for more than a week and officials will likely have to work through a backlog of applications.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals seeking provisional RUTs or Chilean ID cards.

Background: Foreign nationals require provisional RUTs or Chilean IDs not only for employment, but also for services such as opening bank accounts and obtaining mobile phones. Those who have been delayed in receiving a Chilean ID card can continue using provisional RUTs until they receive their ID. Those awaiting provisional RUTs must obtain them before beginning employment or receiving other services for which they are required.

BAL Analysis: The end of the strike is welcome news for employers and foreign nationals in Chile. That said, businesses may need to adjust schedules or start dates for foreign nationals who were unable to obtain RUTs during the strike or who may face ongoing delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Chile. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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