The impact of Venezuelan migrant outflows in Latin America.
UN projections that Venezuelan migrant numbers could reach 5.4 million by end-2019, rising to 8 million in 2020, are adding to political tensions in host countries across Latin America. Anti-Venezuelan sentiment has led to xenophobic incidents and is becoming a salient tool for political mobilisation in Peru, Ecuador and in Colombia’s local elections scheduled for October 27.
The Venezuelan migrant crisis in the region will be a long-term problem requiring long-term solutions.
Muted economic and employment prospects in much of the region will increase animosity towards Venezuelan migrants and the risk of violence.
New restrictions and attempted blockades risk bolstering organised crime involved in people-trafficking, increasing migrants’ vulnerability.
