General documents - HRVP on 9 February 2021-Colombia's Temporary Protection Status to Venezuelan migrants - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Colombia: Joint-Statement by High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič on Colombia's decision to grant Temporary Protection Status to Venezuelan migrants

The Government of Colombia took a historical decision to offer Temporary Protection Status to Venezuelan migrants. This remarkable, courageous, and unprecedented step should contribute to reducing human suffering for the Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, while providing opportunities for better assistance, including on vaccination against COVID-19, protection and durable solutions.

With the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, the knock-on effects of the migration and refugee crisis continues to be of extreme concern to the European Union. Already some 5.5 million Venezuelans have fled their country to seek protection, assistance, and employment. With more than 1.7 million Venezuelan migrants in its territory and 40 000 entering each month, Colombia is by far the most affected country. This new Protection Status in Colombia will offer 10 years of protection and should facilitate labour integration and access to basic social services.

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