Venezuelans once again fleeing into Colombia

After months of COVID-19 lockdowns that halted one of the world's biggest migration movements in recent years, Venezuelans are once again fleeing their nation's economic and humanitarian crisis. Though the number of people leaving is smaller than at the height of the Venezuelan exodus, Colombian immigration officials expect 200,000 Venezuelans to enter the country in the months ahead, in the hope of escaping economic hardship and being able to support their families.

The new migrants are encountering decidedly more adverse conditions than those who fled their homeland before COVID-19. Shelters remain closed, drivers are more reluctant to pick up hitchhikers and locals who fear contagion are less likely to help out with food donations. Before the pandemic, over 5 million Venezuelans had left their country, according to the United Nations.

The poorest left on foot, walking through a terrain that is often scorching but can also get frigidly cold. As governments across South America shut down their economies in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19, many migrants found themselves without work. Over 100,000 Venezuelans returned to their country, where at least they'd have a roof over their heads.

Today, official land and bridge crossings into Colombia are still closed, compelling migrants to flee through illegal pathways along the porous 1,370-mile (2,200-kilometer) border with Venezuela. The dirt roads are controlled by violent drug trafficking groups and rebel organizations like the National Liberation Army.

What's more, many are now forced to walk within their own country for days to reach the border due to gas shortages that have diminished transportation between cities. Once in Colombia, the migrants typically walk along highways or wait to hitch a ride. But that's also become harder. One lengthy stretch of road connecting the border city of Cucuta to Bucaramanga further inland used to be home to 11 shelters for migrants.

Most have been ordered to close by municipal governments trying to contain the spread of coronavirus infections. Before the pandemic broke out, Douglas Cabeza had turned a shed next to his house in Pamplona into a shelter that housed up to 200 migrants a night. Now he lends gym mattresses to those sleeping outside, hoping to provide them with some protection from the cold.

"Because of Covid-19 the authorizations have not been given to be able to operate inside but we are serving outside," said Cabeza.  "Everyday we serve up to 145 breakfasts."

Once the migrants reach their destination, a new list of worries sets in. Colombia's unemployment rate rose from 12% in March to almost 16% in August. Those who can't afford to pay rent are being evicted from their homes. Further complicating matters, more than half of all Venezuelans in Colombia have no legal status. Still, for many, the prospect of earning even less than the minimum wage is a boost. Colombia's monthly minimum wage is currently worth around $260, far higher than Venezuela's measly $2.

(Image Credits: AP)

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