A referendum on restricting immigration was held in Easter Island on 24 October 2009.[1] It followed protests in August 2009 when protestors blocked the runway at Mataveri International Airport in protest at immigration from Chile.[2] The proposal was approved by over 90% of voters.[3] As a result of the vote, the Chilean government introduced a Special Visitor's Card for visitors to the island. However in October 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that the card violated the constitutional right to free movement.[4] In August 2018, a law took effect prohibiting non-residents from staying on the island for more than 30 days.[5]
