Venezuelan Migrants Face Mounting Challenges Securing Legal Status in Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia – approximately 457,305 Venezuelans currently reside in a state of migratory limbo in Colombia, according to data from the Regional Inter-agency Coordination Platform for refugees and Migrants (R4V). This precarious situation creates notable barriers to accessing essential services like healthcare, education, and stable employment.
The difficulties stem from a shift in Colombian government policy under President Gustavo Petro, which has significantly limited regularization pathways for Venezuelan migrants. Previous administrations offered more accessible strategies for obtaining legal residency, but current options are proving increasingly difficult to navigate.
While Venezuelans who have maintained consistent, legal residence in Colombia can apply for a foreigner identification card, newcomers and those who delayed previous application processes are largely limited to a special visitor visa. However, securing this visa has become a major hurdle. Recent data reveals that onyl 11.6% of special visa applications submitted by Venezuelans have been approved by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs since December 2024, leaving a vast majority in an irregular immigration status.
This restrictive approach follows a noted increase in Venezuelan immigration to Colombia following the 2024 electoral events in Venezuela. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed this influx, which includes a significant number of political figures, activists, and human rights defenders seeking refuge.
Adding to the challenge, the Colombian government has implemented increasingly stringent documentation requirements for visa applicants.Beyond standard requirements, applicants are now being asked to provide apostille documents, proof of income, detailed information about their living situation, and even copies of their highest academic degree or a letter guaranteeing financial support. Many applicants are finding it impractical to gather these extensive documents, further hindering their ability to achieve legal status.
The NGO Prova, in collaboration with the human Rights Center of the andrés Bello Catholic university, is preparing a report detailing the complexities of Venezuelan migration in Colombia.The institution has voiced concerns over the lack of proactive policies from the Petro administration to address the situation of the thousands of Venezuelans currently living in irregular conditions.
The lack of legal status not only impacts individual migrants but also raises concerns about their vulnerability and access to fundamental rights within Colombia. The situation underscores the urgent need for revised policies that offer realistic and accessible pathways to regularization for Venezuelan migrants seeking stability and chance in Colombia.
