Colombia’s decision to legalize Venezuelan migrants reignites refugee debate

Battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, some 10 percent of Latin America’s workforce is currently out of a job. This figure — an all-time record — has caused alarm in the United Nations, combined with the prediction that the ongoing Venezuelan migrant crisis could see 6 million people flee the nation by the end of this year. The topic gained significant attention this week, after right-wing Colombian President Iván Duque announced he would legalize 1.7 million undocumented Venezuelan migrants in his country, providing them with ten-year work and residency visas.

Mr. Duque’s unexpected humanitarian gesture drew comparisons to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome 1 million refugees into her country during the height of the European migrant crisis in 2015. And, as it was in Europe, Colombia’s decision is not being repeated region-wide. Addressing the increasing number of Venezuelans in desperate situations will require multilateral action, as opposed to one-off measures. 

But this is far from becoming a reality. Days after Colombia’s decision, the Chilean government announced it would send 100 undocumented Venezuelan migrants to Colombia and Venezuela, after the group attempted to enter the country across the Bolivian border. 

Chile’s...