According to information released this week by the community statistics office, Eurostat, Venezuelans ranked fourth on the list of asylum requests in the European Union (EU) during the month of November 2023.
And according to the entity, In the eleventh month of 2023, a total of 108,950 asylum applications were submitted, all of this in order to be able to receive international protection in nations of the European Community, which translated into an increase of 11% compared to the same month of 2022.
Likewise, in that same month there were some 6,375 applicants who had previously requested international protection in the community club, which represented an increase of 3% compared to November 2022.
And as happened in the previous months, Syrian citizens continued to be those who have presented the most first asylum applications with a total of 23,460, followed by those of Turkish nationality with 12,870, Afghans with 7,930, Venezuelans 6,175 and Colombians with 5,445.
In the same way, Eurostat also specified that in November 2023 a total of 3,510 unaccompanied minors requested asylum for the first time in the EU, most of them from Syria (1,230) and Afghanistan (580).
Spain received 14,105 first asylum applications, which was the third highest number among the Member States of the European Unionhighlighted El Nacional.
Germany (36,495 applications) and Italy (14,160) were ahead of Spain. The fourth country that received the most first asylum applications was France (14,070), while the fifth position corresponded to Greece (10,285).
These five member states accumulated 82% of the first asylum applications registered in the EU last November, according to Eurostat.
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**Interview Segment: The Venezuelan Refugee Crisis**
**Host:** Welcome back to our show. Today, we have a special Alex Reed, Maria Lopez, an advocate for Venezuelan refugees and an expert on migration issues. Maria, thank you for joining us.
**Maria Lopez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Recent statistics reveal that over 125,800 Venezuelans are recognized as refugees worldwide, with a significant 66% residing in the Americas. What does this say about the current situation in Venezuela?
**Maria Lopez:** It’s a staggering number that highlights the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. People are fleeing due to political instability, economic hardship, and widespread violence. The fact that two-thirds are in the Americas shows that neighbors like Colombia and Brazil are absorbing a large number of these refugees, which puts additional pressure on their resources and infrastructure.
**Host:** In 2023 alone, over 328,000 Venezuelan refugees and migrants crossed borders. What challenges do you think they face upon arrival in new countries?
**Maria Lopez:** The challenges are immense. Many arrive with very little—no proper documentation, limited financial resources, and often they face a language barrier. Accessing basic services like healthcare and education can be incredibly difficult, as many host countries struggle with their own economic challenges. Additionally, there’s the risk of xenophobia and discrimination, which can further isolate these individuals.
**Host:** You mentioned that many host countries are already under strain. How can international organizations assist in this situation?
**Maria Lopez:** International organizations like the UNHCR play a crucial role by providing funding, resources, and support to both the refugees and the host countries. They help to create integration programs, provide legal assistance, and facilitate access to basic services. It’s also essential for the international community to prioritize this issue and provide humanitarian aid to both Venezuelan refugees and the countries that are hosting them.
**Host:** Interesting points, Maria. what can individuals do to support Venezuelan refugees in their communities?
**Maria Lopez:** Individuals can help by volunteering with local organizations that assist refugees, donating to relevant charities, or even just raising awareness about the plight of Venezuelan migrants. Every small action can create a ripple effect and contribute to a more supportive environment for those fleeing adversity.
**Host:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your work in bringing attention to the Venezuelan refugee crisis.
**Maria Lopez:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep this conversation going.
**Host:** Absolutely. Stay tuned for more discussions on current events after this break.
