Eugene, a Ghanaian based in Chile, has been a returning guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. In his latest interview, he shared insights into his life in Chile, his experiences helping stranded Ghanaians, and his future plans.
Eugene recalled how he first got connected to a stranded Ghanaian in Chile.
“One guy told me he was on his way to the USA but ended up stranded in Chile. Through my first interview in 2023, I got in touch with him,” he explained.
Many migrants attempting to reach the United States face obstacles along the way. According to Eugene, one Ghanaian was unable to cross the border when Donald Trump became president, leaving him stuck in Mexico. With Trump’s return to politics and his stance on deporting undocumented migrants from South America, many people are reconsidering their journey to the U.S.
Eugene himself attempted to cross into Argentina but was arrested in the process. As a result, he has been living in Chile for the past ten years. Over this time, he has built a life for himself, gotten married, and had children.
“Moving isn’t a priority right now because of my family,” Eugene said. “But if we decide to move, we will.”
Eugene also shared stories of other migrants who faced hardships abroad. One Ghanaian woman, for example, exchanged her house for a one-year UK visa. However, when her visa expired, she was left homeless and now sleeps on the streets.
“Getting a visa to ‘Abrokyire’ (abroad) is not easy,” he emphasized. “That’s why people take risks when they get connections.”
He also spoke about a Ghanaian woman he helped travel to America who now regrets her decision. “She thanks me every day but says she will never allow anyone she knows to take that same dangerous route.”
After years of assisting stranded Ghanaians, Eugene has decided to stop offering free help. “I used to help people for free, but now I will charge for my assistance,” he stated.
He explained that many Ghanaians forget about those who helped them once they reach their destination.
“They only care about you when they are struggling. Once they make it, they don’t mind you anymore.”
Eugene noted that Chile’s immigration policies have become stricter. Previously, migrants could get legal status based on their jobs, but now the requirements have changed.
“You must marry and have children to get proper documentation,” he said. “And even then, the laws keep changing, with foreigners being blamed for economic issues.”
He also claimed that Venezuelan migrants have contributed to making things worse for foreigners in Chile.
Despite the challenges, Eugene acknowledged that obtaining legal status in Chile has some benefits.
“If you get Chilean documents or a passport, you can apply for an electronic visa and travel to many countries. A U.S. visa from Chile costs just $21.”
Eugene plans to visit Ghana soon. “My family back home understands my situation and supports me,” he said. While some friends believe he has stayed in Chile for too long, he insists that it doesn’t matter.
“The next time we speak, I will be in another country. I’m planning to move,” he revealed.
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