Colombia Will Offer Temporary Legal Status To Nearly One Million Venezuelan Migrants

Colombia will offer temporary protective status (TPS) to nearly one million undocumented Venezuelan migrants this week, enabling them to work in the country legally as well as access healthcare and other essential services.

Thousands of Venezuelans stood today in long lines to collect their ID cards and migratory permits at Palacio del Deporte Stadium in northern Bogota. Similar queues were seen in the cities of Cucuta, Cali and Medellin.

Venezuelan migrants appreciated the Colombian government’s gesture and said they can ensure now their access to main services.

The TPS will have a positive impact on the lives of Venezuelan refugees and migrants who wish to regulate their stay in Colombia and access basic services.

The TPS will contribute to guaranteeing the rights of Venezuelans and ensure their access to essential services (e.g. health, education, housing, basic goods and services). Political, humanitarian and socioeconomic turmoil has prompted some 5 million Venezuelans to leave their home country since 2014.

Many have settled in neighboring Colombia. Over 2 million Venezuelans applied for emergency visas in Colombia, but only half of the applicants succeeded so far.