Hundreds of migrants in Chile wait to return home

Hundreds of Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian citizens have been camping outdoors in front of different embassies in Chilean capital Santiago, urging governments of ir countries to assist m in returning home.

As Chile continues to sustain ecomic dam from coronavirus pandemic, many people, including foreign nationals living and working in Chile, say y don't have a way to take care of mselves and ir families.

"We are asking for help in consulate from Bolivia to go to our country because here we have one, said Carmelo, a Bolivian migrant who had spent about 10 days camped outside Bolivian embassy.

Some of poorest people in Latin America, especially those in informal labor market, work every day to feed ir families, live in unsanitary conditions and lack proper medical care.

Some countries are making payments to informal workers — maids, street sellers and ors who have been told to stay home to reduce spread of virus, but effort is patchwork and doesn't apply to everyone who needs help.

Peruvian migrant Richard said he just wants to return to Peru.

" borders were closed and re is way to leave, and re is a great need for our people, as you can see, we are more than 250," Richard said on a recent day as he waited outside Peruvian embassy in Santiago.

People are hoping governments will arrange some type of transportation or a way to be repatriated to ir native countries.

In meantime, se migrants, including those with small children, are forced to wait in tents.