Colombian authorities, including the mayor of Cúcuta Jorge Acevedo, are calling for increased support for Venezuelans / Photo: La Nación
The mayor of San José de Cúcuta, Jorge Acevedo, has revealed that roughly 28% of Cúcuta’s population consists of Venezuelan migrants, totaling approximately 220 thousand individuals.
He elaborated to The Nation that pendulum migration has decreased by about 60% since the presidential elections on July 28, affecting the daily influx of people.
He pointed out that currently, 103 thousand people possess a Temporary Protection Permit (PPT), enabling them to work in Cúcuta:
“A further expansion of PPT is necessary to allow them to work in the city of Cúcuta.”
Mobility
With regard to vehicular mobility, he mentioned that the Tonchalá Agreement has facilitated travel for Venezuelans to Pamplona and Cúcuta, and that efforts have been made to safeguard the rights of migrants.
“There was an instance when, upon entering through San Antonio, the traffic police of Villa del Rosario began to crack down heavily, and we intervened, managing to get the mayor to align himself with the police for the benefit of the city’s inhabitants, avoiding financial burdens on citizens,” he emphasized.
The Colombian ambassador to Venezuela, Milton Rengifo, stated that issues related to SOAT (Mandatory Traffic Accident Insurance) are being addressed between the foreign ministries of both countries.
Special Case
“There is also another special case, where we aim to obtain a binational instrument that allows insurance acquired by nationals and carriers of one country to be recognized in the other. We must recall that this was previously regulated by the Andean Community (CAN), but due to a sovereign decision, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is no longer part of that Community, forcing us to work on binational tools,” he explained.
He noted that the option to acquire SOAT for a single day was recently proposed for Venezuelan nationals, and a bilateral instrument is expected to provide greater benefits for the circulation of Colombian vehicles in Venezuela and vice versa.
Puerto La Cruz / El Tiempo Editorial Team
#quarter #population #Cúcuta #Venezuelan #migrants
Why are Venezuelans migrating to the United States
Analysis: The Plight of Venezuelan Migrants in Cúcuta, Colombia
As I delve into the latest news article regarding the situation of Venezuelan migrants in Cúcuta, Colombia, I am struck by the sheer numbers of individuals affected by this humanitarian crisis. According to Mayor Jorge Acevedo, approximately 28% of Cúcuta’s population, totaling 220 thousand individuals, are Venezuelan migrants [[https://lanacionweb.com/politica/mas-de-la-cuarta-parte-de-la-poblacion-de-cucuta-son-migrantes-venezolanos/]]. This staggering statistic highlights the immense pressure on the local infrastructure and resources.
The mayor’s revelation that pendulum migration has decreased by about 60% since the presidential elections on July 28 raises concerns about the sustainability of the current situation. This decrease in daily influx may bring temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues driving these migrants to flee their homeland.
Research has shown that the working conditions of Venezuelan immigrants in Cúcuta are precarious, with many struggling to make ends meet [[https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/12/11/602]]. Informal settlements, primarily inhabited by Venezuelan migrants and refugees, have proliferated around the border town, with tens of settlements reported as of 2022 [[https://www.crisisgroup.org/latin-america-caribbean/andes/colombia-venezuela/hard-times-safe-haven-protecting-venezuelan]]. These settlements often lack basic amenities, making it challenging for residents to access healthcare, education, and other essential services.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has reported that the situation has reversed, with over 50,000 migrants crossing the border from Venezuela to Colombia every month, often carrying their last belongings [[https://www.ifrc.org/article/migration-americas-journey-cucuta]]. This mass exodus is a testament to the dire circumstances in Venezuela, driving its citizens to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
In light of these facts, it is imperative that Colombian authorities, including Mayor Acevedo, receive increased support to address the challenges posed by this large migrant population. The international community must also play a role in providing aid and assistance to help alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable individuals.
As a blog news writer, I urge readers to take notice of this human rights crisis and advocate for policies that support the well-being of Venezuelan migrants in Cúcuta and beyond. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these individuals receive the dignity and respect they deserve as they navigate their new reality in Colombia.
