The Senate upper house of parliament of Chile on Wednesday approved a new extension of the state of emergency in several regions in the north of the country due to the migration crisis and rising crime. Earlier, the measure was also supported by the Chamber of Deputies (lower house), TASS reports.

The Senate approved with 39 votes in favor the extension of the state of emergency in the provinces of Arica, Parinacota, Tamarugal and El Loa. One person voted against, two abstained, the upper house of parliament tweeted. In the lower house, the extension of the state of emergency was supported by 142 deputies, three voted against, one abstained.

The state of emergency was introduced in northern Chile on February 16 by decision of former President Sebastian Piñera. The measure allows the military to be involved in maintaining order. The new President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, who took office on March 11, said earlier that he intends to ask the parliament to extend the state of emergency.

In 2021, there was a sharp increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants who entered Chile illegally from Bolivia and Peru. After crossing the border, they often stop in large cities in the north of the country. Residents complain about the increase in crime and go to protests, which several times ended in arson of the property of migrants living in tents on the street.