12/02/2020 -  OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría congratulates Colombian President Iván Duque on his initiative to address the difficult situation of the Venezuelan migrants who fled from the dire situation in their origin country. More than 2 million Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, the majority of whom are in an irregular situation, are expected to benefit from the new 10-year temporary protection permit, announced earlier this week.

 

“Thanks to this initiative, hundreds of thousands of families from Venezuela will have the prospect of a better life in Colombia,” said Mr Gurría. It is also likely to entail important economic benefits for Colombia in the longer term, notably by fighting informality.”

 

It is noteworthy that this regularisation takes place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Colombia hard. This decision will also help to address the specific vulnerabilities of migrants facing the pandemic.

 

“With a clear path for the Venezuelan migrants to stay in Colombia in a regular way, the issue of integration will gain further importance, and the OECD stands ready to support Colombia in this respect,” said Mr. Gurria.

 

Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.