Cúcuta sees surge in migration inquiries following deportation announcement

Following an announcement by President Abelardo de la Espriella regarding the deportation of undocumented Venezuelans, there has been a significant surge in demand for migration guidance in Cúcuta, Colombia.

According to Migración Colombia, the country hosts approximately 2.84 million Venezuelans. While 1.96 million hold valid Temporary Protection Permits (PPT), nearly 800,000 individuals remain in vulnerable positions, consisting of 322,335 with active pre-registrations and 459,291 who are formally undocumented.

In Cúcuta, the ‘Centros Intégrate’ have reported a sharp increase in visitors seeking regularization assistance. Daily attendance at the Las Mercedes center rose from a typical 80 people to an average of 120 last week, with recent spikes reaching approximately 200 people per day, representing a 150% increase over normal capacity.

The migration crisis, driven by political and economic instability in Venezuela since 2013, continues to shape social dynamics and public debate within Colombia.