By Sonia Agnesod | Planning, Coordination and Compliance
Approximately 1.5 million Venezuelans reside in Peru, with around half lacking legal status. Peru introduced a Temporary Stay Permit in 2023, benefiting over 120,000 Venezuelans by granting work rights and access to essential services.
Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and others, are working to integrate Venezuelan migrants through expedited documentation processes and regional cooperation initiatives like the Quito Process
Among the beneficiaries of these legal pathways, you can find entrepreneurs like Karelys,a Venezuelan stylist who moved to Peru in 2019. There she partnered with Yerly, a Peruvian podiatrist, to establish a successful beauty business. Benefited from Peru's temporary regularization program, she received a short-term visa that provided stability and business opportunities.
Another example is Carlos, 24-year-old Venezuelan from Barquisimeto. Forced to abandon philosophy studies due to economic hardships, he traveled to Lima on foot and by hitchhiking. He currently sells ice cream and sandwiches, grateful for the opportunities provided by Peru.
Regularization programs improve migrants' access to health care, education, and other public services. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports these efforts, enhancing the inclusion of migrants and contributing to social and economic development.
Read more about these stories: https://storyteller.iom.int/stories/venezuelans-access-regularization-pathways-new-beginnings-peru
Original article written by: Gema Cortes, Media and Communications Officer, Office of the Special Envoy for the Regional Response to the Venezuela Situation
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