The number of Venezuelans seeking asylum has increased year-on-year since 2014. The total for 2014-2017 has reached approx. 80,000 persons and will likely continue to increase.
The primary receiving countries of Venezuelan asylum seekers between 2014 and 2017 have been: USA: 42,000, Brazil: 14,400, Spain: 10,000, Peru: 4,700, and Costa Rica: 3,300.
Considering the evolving situation in Venezuela, it is projected that people will continue to leave the country and UNHCR is stepping up the response accordingly.
POPULATION OF CONCERN
In Brazil, over 9,000 asylum applications have been registered in 2017. In Roraima state alone, the Federal Police with support of UNHCR is registering around 150 arrivals per day. It is estimated that there are some 20,000 to 30,000 Venezuelans in Brazil.
In Colombia over 300,000 Venezuelans are living in the country. Over 55,000 have requested the Special Stay Permit. The most recent profiling exercise shows that 43% of new arrivals are Colombian nationals, 24% are dual nationals and 33% are Venezuelans.
Countries in the Southern Caribbean are also hosting large numbers of Venezuelans: Trinidad and Tobago is estimated to host over 40,000 Venezuelans, with some 200 registered as asylum-seekers; Aruba hosts about 20,000 Venezuelans, with fewer than a dozen seeking asylum to-date; and Curacao hosts an estimated 5,000 Venezuelans.
CONTEXT INFORMATION
The political and economic situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. Recent developments in the country, including elections for the National Constituent Assembly and the unofficial referendum called by the opposition coalition (MUD) shows the polarization of Venezuelan society. The MUD has found itself weakened after the elections, which discouraged many supporters and diminished its leadership. After two weeks of escalated violence and confrontations in late July, there is a sense of tense calm in the streets, as most opposition supporters are not attending protests, sit-ins and other demonstrations. The outflow of persons seeking protection and fulfilment of basic needs in neighboring countries continues to grow.
Based on UNHCR’s monitoring activities in areas bordering Venezuela, and also interviews with Venezuelans arriving in different countries in the Americas, it is clear that Venezuelans are leaving for a multitude of factors. Venezuelans flee insecurity and violence in the areas in which they were residing; or because they have been targeted by armed groups in the country. A number of persons that UNHCR interviewed, also reported having left due to their political or imputed political opinions. Others are leaving due to a lack of food and medicine, loss of income, and lack of access to essential basic social services.