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Between xenophobia and solidarity: My story of migration to Colombia

October 26, 2025

Venezuelan migration to Colombia has surged dramatically, with 1. 84 million Venezuelans migrating to Colombia in 2021 alone and an expected 7. 9 million leaving Venezuela by 2025 according to the UN Refugee Agency.

Who is affected

  • Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, particularly those in border regions like Saravena, Arauca
  • The 12-year-old author and her mother who experienced healthcare challenges, economic exploitation, and xenophobia
  • The broader Venezuelan migrant population (7.9 million expected to leave Venezuela by 2025)
  • Colombian society adapting to the influx of Venezuelan migrants
  • Venezuelan families separated by migration (like the author's grandmother and father who remained behind)

What action is being taken

  • The Colombian government has introduced the Temporary Protection Permit allowing migrants to access healthcare services and register with Health Promotion Entities (EPS)
  • Colombian authorities and organizations are working to combat discrimination through awareness programs, human rights advocacy, and promoting peaceful coexistence
  • Some Colombian citizens are extending solidarity and support to Venezuelan migrants
  • Hospitals in some cases are covering medical expenses for migrants who cannot afford treatment

Why it matters

  • The Venezuelan migration crisis represents one of the largest population movements in Latin America, with 1.84 million Venezuelans entering Colombia in 2021 alone
  • Migrants face exploitation, discrimination, and limited access to essential services, creating humanitarian concerns
  • The wage gap between Venezuelans and Colombians (in the author's case, her mother earned 300,000 pesos monthly versus the 908,000 peso minimum wage) highlights economic inequality
  • Rising xenophobia threatens social cohesion and human rights in Colombia
  • Despite challenges, positive cross-cultural connections demonstrate the potential for integration and mutual support

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices

Between xenophobia and solidarity: My story of migration to Colombia