In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 4.7%, to reach around 5 800. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (5 600), Cuba (100) and Ecuador (25). The largest decrease nationals of Cuba (‑100). Of the 4 630 decisions taken in 2023, 1% were positive.
Emigration of Colombian citizens to OECD countries increased by 115% in 2022, to 218 000. Approximately 79% of this group migrated to Spain, 10% to the United States and 2% to Germany.
Since January 2023, Venezuelan nationals who have applied for a Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) in Colombia can obtain a “PPT In-Process Certificate (certificado de trámite PPT), giving them access to public and private services such as healthcare and education. It also allows them to enter and exit Colombia during the processing of the application, but does not allow them to work in Colombia during that time.
In April 2024, the Government of Colombia announced that it would welcome a large number of Venezuelan migrants living in Colombia with a Special Permit to Stay for legal representatives or guardians of children and adolescents holding a Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) issued before 12 August 2022. Holders of the permits will be able to access employment and other rights, favouring their integration.
In December 2023, several steps were taken to implement a new Protocol for Attention to Unaccompanied Minors. Actions in the protocol include the following: periodic verification tours of the country’s airports; pre‑flight reports in collaboration with foreign airline providers to identify in advance the presence of children; added steps of screening in international lounges and at the tax desk; constant communication with airlines with an emphasis on end destinations in North America; workshops and training for airport staff; and an information campaign aimed at preventing the risks association with the irregular migration of unaccompanied children and adolescents.
In December 2023, Migración Colombia implemented administrative and technological measures to comply with a recent law intended to safeguard the integrity of minors when leaving the country. Namely, this includes the foregoing of the requirement of a permission from both parents in cases where a parent is registered in the Register of Unpaid Child Support Debtors (REDAM).
In June 2023, Migración Colombia began a strategy to raise awareness and prevent xenophobia against Venezuelan migrants, starting with several municipalities in the Boyacá department. Security and co‑ordination councils were held between stakeholders such as mayors, police, the national army, family police stations and other local authorities. In parallel, immigration officials carried out document verification processes and held awareness days among citizens, through the delivery of information flyers and talks against xenophobia.
In January 2024, Migración Colombia launched the Observatory of Migrations, Migrants and Human Mobility (Observatorio de Migraciones, Migrantes y Movilidad Humana). The observatory is tasked with producing useful and quality data on migration issues, in order to be widely disseminated to citizens and other audiences. It will also promote dialogue with civil society, researchers, academia and state entities to generate joint proposals that serve as input for migration policy.
For further information: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/
