Current Venezuelan Migration Context

Venezuelan migration has significantly increased in the last two years. Globally, the number of Venezuelans abroad rose from 700,000 to more than 1,500,000 between 2015 and 2017, which represents an increase of nearly 110 per cent. In South America, the number of Venezuelans rose from 89,000 in 2015 to 900,000 in 2017, an increase of approximately 900 per cent.

There has also been a diversification of countries of destination, with Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay being some of the new destinations for Venezuelans.

The diversity of routes used by Venezuelans shows a dynamic and changing mobility. Apart from the air route, the land and maritime routes have recently become more significant. In the case of neighbouring Caribbean islands, such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the short distances facilitate the maritime mobility. In the case of Colombia and Brazil, the main part of the movements is by land across the border. In Brazil, the highest number of entries by Venezuelans is registered in the state of Roraima. In Colombia, the largest number is registered in the city of Cucuta. Numerous entries by Venezuelan nationals into Ecuador are also registered through Rumichaca; into Peru through Tumbes – border with Ecuador; and into Chile through Tacna – border with Peru, to give some examples.

Venezuelans are leaving their country for different reasons, and when asked, they mention multiple causes related to political factors, socioeconomic needs, the search for job opportunities and the situation of insecurity and violence. The Governments of host countries determine their status (refuge, temporary/permanent residence, temporary protection, etc.).

Host countries in South America regularise a large part of Venezuelans through the application of general or specific migration instruments. By means of these regularisation mechanisms, 400,000 temporary and permanent residences have been granted.

IOM commends the ongoing efforts of the Governments in the South American region and encourages the countries to continue looking for channels to regularise Venezuelan migrants, thus enabling their protection and access to their rights, as well as preventing traffickers from acting.

Indigenous populations, women, unaccompanied children and adolescents have been identified as highly vulnerable groups among the migrant population. Migrants face vulnerabilities particularly related to health and are at risk of human trafficking or smuggling. They also face difficulties related to labour market insertion. In addition, a significant part of Venezuelan migrants have a good level of education and intend to continue their studies in the host countries (Argentina), get well remunerated jobs or set up their own businesses (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile). However, some of them are exploited, in part, due to the lack of skills recognition, their legal status, among other reasons.

IOM is implementing different initiatives, including: monitoring and profiling of migration flows at the regional and national levels through the implementation of tools such as of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM); training in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM); establishment of transit centres and temporary shelters; direct assistance to migrants, including transportation and food, as well as provision of information related to regularisation. IOM works closely with the South American governments, other UN Agencies (UNHCR, UNFPA, WFP) and other civil society organisations.