Latin American Country Promises Help, Protection, and Jobs to These Refugees

Colombia is providing ten-year temporary protection to 1.7 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, giving them access to essential services, protection, and assistance.

“We applaud Colombia for its extraordinary generosity and its commitment to ensuring protection for displaced Venezuelans. This decision serves as a model of pragmatism and humanity,” says Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, who is currently in Colombia, assessing humanitarian needs.

Throughout Latin America, there are 4.6 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and 37% of them took refuge in Colombia. Thanks to the Temporary Protection Status, they have access to basic services including the national health system and COVID-19 vaccination plans, but also to the job market.