Enhancing Regional Coordination for Venezuelan Migrant Integration

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has led to one of the largest waves of mass migration in recent history in the Western Hemisphere. With nearly 8 million Venezuelans having fled the country in recent years, and Nicolas Maduro preparing to assume another illegitimate mandate in January, these numbers are expected to increase further. This presents significant challenges for countries across Latin America that are hosting large numbers of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.

To address this critical issue, the Atlantic Council recently convened a panel of experts to discuss opportunities to enhance regional coordination and support the integration of Venezuelan migrants. The panel included former Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez, Acting Assistant Secretary of State Mara Youth, and other leading voices on migration policy in the region.

The Scale and Impact of Venezuelan Migration

The panelists emphasized the massive scale of Venezuelan migration, with over 7.7 million Venezuelans now displaced outside their country according to UN estimates. The majority - over 6.5 million - are living in other Latin American and Caribbean countries. Colombia alone is hosting over 2.8 million displaced Venezuelans.

This unprecedented migration flow has put significant strain on host countries' resources and systems. However, the panelists also highlighted the potential economic benefits of successfully integrating Venezuelan migrants. Studies have shown that Venezuelan migrants tend to be young and highly skilled, and can contribute positively to GDP growth in host countries if given the opportunity to work legally.

Root Causes and Ongoing Drivers of Migration

The panel was unanimous in identifying Venezuela's authoritarian government under Nicolas Maduro as the primary root cause driving continued outward migration. David Smolansky, a Venezuelan opposition leader, emphasized that "the root cause is a brutal dictatorship" and argued that restoring democracy is essential to stemming the outflow.

However, other panelists cautioned that even with a democratic transition, the deep economic crisis and humanitarian emergency in Venezuela means migration is likely to continue in the short-to-medium term. Rebuilding Venezuela's shattered economy and institutions will take time.

The panelists also highlighted how the Maduro regime's repression following the July 2023 opposition primary election has accelerated migration outflows. At least 108,000 Venezuelans have fled the country since late July 2023 according to official figures, which are likely an undercount.

Challenges for Host Countries

The influx of millions of Venezuelans has created significant challenges for major host countries like Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile. Key issues highlighted by the panelists include:

• Strain on public services like healthcare and education
• Housing shortages in some areas
• Labor market impacts, including potential wage depression for low-skilled workers
• Social tensions and xenophobia in some communities
• Fiscal costs of providing services and integration support

However, the panelists emphasized that with the right policies, Venezuelan migration can be turned into an economic and social opportunity for host countries. This requires viewing migration as a reality to be managed rather than a problem to be solved.

Best Practices and Policy Recommendations

The panel highlighted several best practices and policy recommendations for improving the regional response to Venezuelan migration:

Expanding Access to Regular Status

A key priority emphasized by all panelists was expanding access to regular migratory status and work authorization for Venezuelans. Colombia's Temporary Protection Status program, which has provided documentation and rights to over 2 million Venezuelans, was cited as a positive model.

Regularization allows migrants to work legally, access services, and contribute fully to host economies. It also reduces vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

Regional Coordination and Burden-Sharing

The panelists stressed that no single country can manage Venezuelan migration alone. Greater regional coordination and equitable burden-sharing is needed.

This could include harmonizing policies on documentation and regularization, sharing best practices, and providing financial support to the countries hosting the most migrants.

Integration Support and Public-Private Partnerships

Beyond legal status, the panelists emphasized the need for proactive integration support in areas like education, healthcare, housing and employment. Public-private partnerships were highlighted as a promising avenue for expanding integration initiatives.

For example, partnering with the private sector to develop tailored financial products and services for Venezuelan migrants.

Improving Data Collection and Analysis

Better data on the demographics, skills, and needs of Venezuelan migrants is crucial for evidence-based policymaking. The panelists recommended improving national surveys and statistical systems to better capture migrant populations.

Countering Xenophobia and Promoting Social Cohesion

Addressing xenophobia and promoting positive narratives around the contributions of migrants is key for successful integration. This requires working with host communities, not just migrants themselves.

Maintaining International Support

The panelists emphasized the need for sustained international donor support, both for humanitarian assistance and longer-term development and integration programs.

Looking Ahead

While the challenges are significant, the panelists expressed cautious optimism about the region's capacity to manage Venezuelan migration if the right policies are implemented. They emphasized that successfully integrating Venezuelans can yield economic and social benefits for host countries.

However, they also stressed that addressing root causes in Venezuela remains crucial. Restoring democracy and rebuilding Venezuela's economy is ultimately necessary to stem outward migration flows and create conditions for many migrants to eventually return home.

In the meantime, expanding legal pathways, improving regional coordination, and viewing migration as an opportunity rather than just a challenge will be key to an effective response. With the right approach, the Venezuelan migration crisis can potentially be turned into an opportunity to strengthen economies and societies across Latin America.

The Atlantic Council plans to continue its work on this critical issue, fostering dialogue and developing policy recommendations to enhance regional cooperation on Venezuelan migrant integration. As the crisis continues to evolve, maintaining international attention and support for both migrants and host communities will be essential.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyzlAM6cvIk