Venezuelan Asylum Seekers on the Rise: Transforming Spain’s Immigration Narrative

• It is estimated that at least 240 Venezuelans arrived in Spanish territory daily during the first half of 2024 | Photo: EFE

Venezuelan, Colombian and Peruvian citizens accounted for almost 80% of the more than 163,000 applications for international protection submitted in 2023 in Spain, a recognition that the country grants after evaluating that a person is being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, political or sexual orientation.

Political persecution is precisely the argument used by the Venezuelan opposition leader. Edmundo González to request asylum in Spain, where he has been since Sunday, September 8, after denouncing fraud in the presidential elections of July 28.

González has begun the process to request asylum in Spain, a process that, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, will be favorable for the former Venezuelan presidential candidate, who, however, must meet the same requirements as any other applicant, a procedure with a maximum period of one month.

Supporters of Edmundo González talk with a member of the National Police at the gate of the Torrejón de Ardoz air base (Madrid), where the opposition leader arrived on September 8. EFE/ Borja Sánchez-trillo

At least 240 Venezuelan citizens arrived in Spain every day during the first half of 2024, reaching a current figure of approximately 390 thousand people – a third of them settled in Madrid – according to various official Spanish statistics.

The figure represents a slight acceleration – 7% more – in the arrival of Venezuelan citizens compared to last year, when 82,200 people from Venezuela moved to Spain, an average of 225 per day.

In total, in 2023, more than 60,500 Venezuelan citizens requested asylum in Spain and 40,674 received protection for humanitarian reasons, a figure that the Spanish government began to grant as a result of the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and which implies recognizing a residence permit or humanitarian temporary stay.

The data confirm the progressive increase in the population of Venezuelan origin in Spain, which has multiplied by more than seven in the last ten years.

After Venezuela, the list of requests continues with Colombia, with 53,564 claims filed in 2023, and Peru, with 14,308.

The right to asylum in Spain

EFE/ Borja Sanchez-trillo

The Law on the Right to Asylum and Subsidiary Protection which establishes asylum, recognised in the Spanish Constitution, applies to citizens from outside the European Union whom Spain recognises as refugees after assessing that in their country of origin they are persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinions, membership of a certain social group, gender or sexual orientation.

Subsidiary protection is granted to those who do not meet the requirements to be considered refugees but who cannot return to their country because they risk being sentenced to the death penalty or suffering torture and serious threats to their lives.

The protection granted by international protection – which includes both the right to asylum and subsidiary protection – consists of the non-return or expulsion of persons to whom it has been granted.

Beneficiaries will not be returned to their country of origin, will obtain a permanent residence and work permit, an identity document, will have the right to reunite with immediate family members and access to public employment, education, health, housing or social services. In addition, the time periods for obtaining Spanish nationality will be reduced.

With information from EFE

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Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for ‌the title ‍**”Venezuelans in ⁢Spain: A Growing Asylum Seeker Community”**:

Venezuelans in Spain: A Growing Asylum Seeker Community

The numbers are staggering: at least 240 Venezuelan citizens arrive in Spain every day, with ‌a total of approximately 390,000 people having made the journey so‍ far in 2024. This represents a 7% increase compared to last year, when 82,200 Venezuelans moved to Spain‍ [[3]].⁣ The majority of these asylum seekers have settled in⁢ Madrid, ‌with⁢ many more ​expected ‍to arrive in the coming months.

The ‍reason for this influx of Venezuelan ⁤asylum seekers is political persecution. ‍Edmundo⁢ González, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has recently ‌fled to Spain and begun the process of requesting asylum, citing fraud in ‌the ‍presidential ‌elections of July 28 as the reason for his flight [[2]]. González’s case highlights the difficulties faced by many Venezuelans who are forced to flee ​their home ⁢country due to political persecution.

In 2023, more than 163,000​ applications for international protection were submitted⁤ in Spain, with ‍Venezuelan, Colombian, and Peruvian citizens accounting for almost 80% of these applications [[1]]. Of these, more than 60,500 Venezuelan ​citizens requested asylum in Spain,‍ with 40,674 receiving protection ‍for humanitarian reasons.

The asylum process in Spain ⁤is governed by the country’s laws and regulations, with applicants required to⁤ meet certain criteria in order to be granted asylum. The process typically takes‍ around ⁢one month, during which ⁢time the applicant’s case is evaluated and a decision is made on their eligibility ‍for asylum.

In recent years, Venezuelans have become ⁤one of ⁢the main immigrant groups‌ in Spain, with many drawn to the country due to shared ⁤cultural and linguistic ties [[3]]. The Spanish government has been working‌ to facilitate the integration of Venezuelan asylum seekers, with initiatives such as language classes and job training programs.

Despite the challenges faced⁤ by ⁣Venezuelan⁣ asylum ⁣seekers, there are many⁤ success​ stories of individuals who have been able to rebuild their⁤ lives⁢ in Spain. With the continued support of the Spanish government‌ and non-governmental organizations, it ​is hoped that ⁤many more Venezuelans will be able to find safety and security in Spain.

the growing number of Venezuelan asylum seekers⁣ in Spain is a complex issue ‍that requires a ⁢comprehensive and compassionate response. By understanding the reasons behind this influx of asylum seekers and providing support and resources⁤ to those who are eligible,‌ Spain ​can continue to be a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and violence in ⁢Venezuela.

References:

[1] https://asylumineurope.org/reports/country/spain/asylum-procedure/differential-treatment-specific-nationalities-procedure/

[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/world/americas/edmundo-gonzalez-venezuela-opposition-candidate.html

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VenezuelansinSpain