The Venezuelan displacement crisis is among the largest in the world today. Nearly eight million people have fled Venezuela over the past ten years, due to economic collapse, violence, insecurity and political repression. Most have sought refuge in Latin American countries, with Venezuela’s neighbour Colombia absorbing the largest share – nearly three million people.
A significant number of Colombian nationals who previously lived in Venezuela have now also returned home. On top of this, Colombia is home to over seven million internally displaced people (IDP) – one of the highest IDP populations globally.
Colombia’s response to migration from Venezuela has been praised for its progressiveness. This includes a temporary protection programme that grants Venezuelans a ten-year permit, as well as access to formal employment, education, healthcare and financial services. But legal inclusion has not always resulted in economic or social integration. As is so often the case, the reality on the ground is far more complex.
