Chile Plans to Limit Labor Migration to Easter Island

Jordan R. Gomillion
SOC 202
September 18th, 2009
3:35 PM

This article states how Chile will be limiting labor migration to Easter Island. This would also limit the amount of workers from the mainland who can live there. Limiting labor migration also means that the Chile will have make a change to their constitution. As of now the constitution states that citizens can reside anywhere, including Easter Island. The government says that there is a strain being placed on the islands ability to recycle and process “rubbish”. not to mention the islands 50 percent population growth since 2002. The need to control the islands infrastructure, makes blocking tourists flights come as no surprise. Not to mention that criminals also escape to the island when they’re on the run from Chilean authorities. September 15th, Chile started checking or verifying people who leave the island. Just in case someone may be a fugitive.

As far as I’m concerned, I feel like Chile is going about this the right way. I don’t think they’re being unfair or unjust. Most importantly, they are taking the islands vulnerability in to consideration. Many governments tend exploit opportunities that they feel may lead to economic growth or profit. But Chile is protecting Easter Island and in a way trying to preserve its history or maybe tradition. Also, it’s protecting the inhabitants of the island by verifying those who depart from the island. Carolina Hotu, the islands governor, even states that if they spot a person who is on the run, they can contain the threat and forestall entry. This is one of the few instances where a country limits workforce from overpopulating an area, more countries should follow suit.


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a1PXmtRxqGk8