- The agency recommended people not to give personal information to strangers | Photo: José Daniel Ramos @danielj2511
The Administrative Service for Identification, Migration and Immigration (Saime) reported the dissemination of an email that was allegedly reaching some people, offering a digital safe passage for Venezuelans abroad who wish to travel to Venezuela with their expired passports.
“The digital travel pass is for any airline and for Venezuelans who have expired passports. You should contact the head of Saime’s International Operations, Javier Ramirez, on corporate WhatsApp,” says the fake Saime email. In addition, they request personal information and a payment receipt.
In that sense, the entity emphasized in a publication on its X account on October 24 that the organization does not send this type of email and urged citizens not to provide personal information.
“All identification procedures are carried out through the saime.gob.ve web portal in a personalized manner. Don’t fall for the scam,” Saime insisted.
Other scams
On September 25, Saime denied that the organization was sending an email to citizens abroad about the alleged transfer of passports through a parcel company.
In the email with false information that unknown people were sending to some Venezuelans, they claim that the state company “is sending identification documents twice a month” to migrants who are in Chile, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador.
He clarified that Venezuelans abroad who processed their passports at the consulates that are currently closed must collect them in Venezuela, specifically at the main headquarters which is located on Baralt Avenue in Caracas.
“The information in the image is totally false. Saime does not send emails of this type. If you receive a similar message, do not share personal information, all identification procedures are carried out through the saime.gob.ve web portal in a personalized manner,” the institution indicated.
In August 2024, the agency also denounced the existence of email and Instagram social network accounts that posed as the institution, with the aim of scamming Venezuelans abroad.
Saime specified that the subjects behind these false accounts request money from their victims to complete an alleged procedure.
Digital safe passage
Since September 27, the Venezuelan government reinforced entry measures into the country for Venezuelans abroad. The State stressed that citizens will only be able to enter the country with their valid passports.
On October 2, the Higher Tourism Council (Conseturismo) reported that, after meeting with authorities from Saimente, Airport, Chancellery and representatives of the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC), the exceptions regarding the requirement.
The organization explained in a post on Instagram that Venezuelan passengers with dual nationality will be able to enter the country with an expired Venezuelan passport, without needing a safe passage.
Likewise, those who have legal residence in another country may still enter with an expired passport, without the need to process a safe passage. This document is only intended for those whose passport has expired and do not have regular status in a host country.
Conseturismo clarified that the safe conduct is only a document to enter Venezuela and not to migrate to other nations. In addition, he emphasized that to leave the country it is mandatory to have a valid passport.
How to request safe passage online?
The document is requested through the Saime website and is aimed at Venezuelan citizens who live in countries where the government of Nicolás Maduro ordered the closure of their embassies and consulates.
Countries in which the government closed its embassies and consulates
-Dominican Republic
-Panama
-Uruguay
-Argentina
-Costa Rica
-Ecuador
-Guatemala
-Paraguay
-Peru
-Chile
This online safe passage is exempt from paying the $60 required when the procedure is carried out in person.
The permit must be requested 72 hours in advance before the trip and is not valid for returning abroad. However, several users on social networks have reported that Saime has not enabled the option to carry out this travel procedure.
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Interview with Javier Ramirez, Head of International Operations at Saime
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ramirez. Recently, Saime issued a warning regarding a fraudulent email about a digital travel pass for Venezuelans. Can you explain what this email entails and why it is concerning?
Javier Ramirez: Thank you for having me. The email in question claims to offer a digital safe passage for Venezuelans with expired passports wishing to travel back to Venezuela. It instructs individuals to contact me on WhatsApp and asks for personal information along with a payment receipt. This is absolutely false and a clear scam designed to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Editor: That sounds alarming. What steps is Saime taking to protect citizens from such scams?
Javier Ramirez: We are actively monitoring these fraudulent activities and have encouraged people to be vigilant. Our primary message is to never share personal information with unknown sources. We also remind everyone that all legitimate identification procedures are conducted through our official website, saime.gob.ve.
Editor: Can you provide more context on the requirements for Venezuelans wishing to enter the country with expired passports?
Javier Ramirez: Certainly. As of now, only those with valid passports can enter the country. However, there are exceptions for Venezuelans with dual nationality or legal residents in another country—they may enter with their expired Venezuelan passport without needing a digital travel pass. Our goal is to streamline entry while maintaining security.
Editor: Aside from this recent email scam, have there been other similar frauds reported?
Javier Ramirez: Yes, we have seen several instances of fake emails and social media accounts posing as Saime, trying to extract money from citizens under the guise of facilitating passport services. We always advise our community to verify any information through official channels before taking action.
Editor: Thank you for these important clarifications, Mr. Ramirez. Is there anything else you’d like to add for our audience?
Javier Ramirez: Just a reminder to everyone: stay cautious and informed. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always use official Saime resources for any immigration-related services.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today. We appreciate your time and efforts in keeping the public informed.
Rts?
Javier Ramirez: Certainly. As of now, Venezuelans abroad can enter the country using their expired Venezuelan passports, but this is only applicable to those with dual nationality. We emphasize that the expired passport is enough for re-entry into Venezuela, and there is no need for a safe conduct document in such cases. However, for those who do not meet these criteria, it is crucial to ensure that they have valid documentation before attempting to return.
Editor: What advice would you give to Venezuelans who may be confused about the process or feel overwhelmed by the recent changes?
Javier Ramirez: First and foremost, always rely on official sources for information. If you’re receiving any messages or emails that seem suspicious or ask for personal information, disregard them. It’s essential to visit our official website or contact our legitimate offices for accurate guidance. We understand that many are facing challenging situations abroad, and we are here to support our citizens in a legal and secure manner.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Ramirez, for your insights and for ensuring that Venezuelans are informed about potential scams and the proper protocols for returning home.
Javier Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we create awareness and help protect our citizens from fraud.