Boluarte announced measures against Venezuelans / Photo: El Impulso
The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, announced this Tuesday, October 22, a package of more restrictive measures aimed at regularizing the situation of Venezuelan migrants in the country.
Among the new provisions is the requirement to present employment and rental contracts, as well as greater control over the sending of remittances.
Boluarte argued that these measures are necessary to combat organized crime and guarantee the safety of Peruvians.
“We are going to monitor the foreign currency and remittances that are sent out of the country,” said the president, suggesting that illicit activities could be hidden behind these transactions.
Announcement
The president also announced that adjustments will be made to immigration procedures to require all Venezuelans to prove they have formal employment and a fixed place of residence. In addition, he called on property owners to be more careful when renting their homes and to collaborate with the authorities to identify possible criminals.
Boluarte directly linked the growing wave of extortion and other crimes in Peru to the presence of Venezuelan migrants.
“To the foreign criminals who are in our country, we say to them, we will throw them out of the national territory,” he assured.
Reviews
The president harshly criticized previous governments for having kept the borders open to Venezuelans, which in her opinion has facilitated the entry of criminals into the country.
“We know well who has left our borders open, and thousands of them have entered without even mentioning their names,” he said.
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Interview with Maria Torres, Migration Analyst, on Peru’s New Measures for Venezuelan Migrants
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Maria. The recent announcement by President Dina Boluarte regarding new measures for Venezuelan migrants has garnered a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about the specifics of these measures?
Maria Torres: Thank you for having me. President Boluarte’s announcement includes a series of more restrictive measures designed to regularize the situation of Venezuelan migrants in Peru. While the specifics are still being clarified, it is reported that these measures could involve stricter documentation requirements and possibly limits on the duration of stay for Venezuelans seeking refuge in the country.
Editor: What prompted the government to take these actions at this time?
Maria Torres: The government cites increasing concerns over public resources and security. There has been growing tension in various regions of Peru regarding the influx of Venezuelans, which some officials argue puts a strain on local services and employment opportunities. Boluarte’s administration aims to balance humanitarian obligations with these pressures.
Editor: How do these measures affect the Venezuelan community residing in Peru?
Maria Torres: These measures could create uncertainty for many Venezuelans who may find it challenging to meet the new requirements. For those who are already struggling to find stable employment or housing, stricter regulations could lead to further marginalization and hardship.
Editor: What are the implications of these policies on the broader migration landscape in the region?
Maria Torres: Peru has been one of the more welcoming countries for Venezuelan migrants compared to its neighbors. However, if measures become significantly more restrictive, we may see a shift where Venezuelans seek refuge in countries with more lenient policies. This could lead to increased pressures on the bordering nations of Peru and complicate regional migration dynamics further.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on this important issue. As the situation evolves, we’ll continue to monitor the impacts of these policies on both migrants and Peruvian society.
Of Venezuelan migrants, particularly linked to reports of organized crime and extortion. President Boluarte has stated that these measures aim to ensure the safety of Peruvian citizens and regulate the labor and residency status of Venezuelans in the country.
Editor: How do these measures specifically target issues related to organized crime?
Maria Torres: The government plans to implement tighter controls on employment and rental agreements, requiring migrants to provide proof of stable work and housing. By doing this, the aim is to limit opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation. Additionally, monitoring remittances is intended to prevent illicit financial activities, which the government fears may be linked to organized crime.
Editor: There are concerns about the impact these measures might have on the broader Venezuelan migrant community. What are your thoughts on that?
Maria Torres: Absolutely, there is significant concern regarding the stigmatization of all Venezuelan migrants due to the actions of a few individuals. While the government claims these measures are necessary for public safety, it’s crucial to consider the humanitarian aspects. Many Venezuelans are fleeing dire situations and contributing positively to society. Overly harsh measures could further marginalize a vulnerable population and could potentially lead to violations of human rights.
Editor: What have been the reactions from human rights organizations and the wider public?
Maria Torres: Human rights advocates have raised alarms about the potential for discrimination and the risks of exclusion for genuine refugees. There’s a fear that the new restrictions could lead to an increase in vulnerability for migrants. Additionally, public opinion is divided; some support the measures for the sake of security, while others recognize the need for a more balanced approach that considers both safety and human rights.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for your insights. This topic certainly requires ongoing attention and dialogue as the situation develops.
Maria Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the discussion going to find a pathway that respects both security concerns and the dignity of migrants.
