Maduro’s third presidential term could unleash a new migratory exodus to Colombia

Nicolás Maduro assumed a third consecutive term in Venezuela this Friday, in what has been described by the opposition as a coup d’état.

Experts consulted by the Voice of America They warn that the tension generated by the lack of transparency and independent verification of the electoral results is likely to trigger an increase in the exodus of Venezuelans to neighboring countries, including Colombia.

“The vast majority does not agree with the political project of the Bolivarian Revolution. They wanted a change. If this change does not occur, they will be forced to leave over the next few years,” said Ronal Rodríguez, research professor at the Venezuela Observatory at the Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá.

“Most likely they will not do it on a massive scale as it was in 2019 or 2021, but on the contrary, it will be a little more granular, more expansive over time, because it is already more difficult for many of them to leave,” he added.

The South American nation has experienced one of the largest migration crises in Latin America for more than a decade, generated by the difficult economic, political and social situation.

For analysts, Maduro’s third term, in power since 2013, surrounded by questions about serious violations of human rights and complaints of a worsening of internal conditions, will bring with it a new wave of migration.

“What is happening is complicated. Now, in general there have been approximately 7 million Venezuelans who have left, according to UNHCR, many of them to Colombia, which has been the largest recipient so far. So what is happening is going to bring with it a much larger flow of Venezuelans,” commented John Sánchez, an expert migration lawyer and co-founder of the Colombian College of International Migration and Corporate Law.

Challenges in the face of a possible migratory increase

Colombia has been one of the main destinations for Venezuelan migrants. The coffee-growing nation has adopted open migration policies for the Venezuelan population with programs that include the right to access health, education and employment.

Rodríguez believes that although Bogotá has put aside its migratory integration policies in recent years, it must continue to look for strategies to confront this migratory phenomenon.

“Sadly, it must be said. In the last two years we have lost capacity in immigration integration policies. I believe that the Colombian State at the national level, but it must also be said at the local level, some mayors’ offices, some governorates, have retraced the path that had been built in Colombia in terms of immigration response,” he explained.

Sánchez, for his part, believes that undoubtedly the swearing-in of Maduro as president for another six-year term will continue to be a turning point for more Venezuelans to seek better opportunities outside their country.

“Colombia has to prepare, even though it has already had two large waves of Venezuelan people entering the country. Strengthen access to employment, health and education, as well as immigration regularization so that they do not remain illegal and do not suffer abuse, for example at the labor level and at the health level in the country,” Sánchez said.

“Not only Colombia, but the rest of the region must be receptive and create a contingency plan for the strong migration of Venezuelans from the young Venezuelan population that is going to migrate,” Sánchez concluded.

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