Ecuador reports record refugee influx and repatriates citizens after Venezuela quake

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said Ecuador had recognized 81,673 refugees up to May, a 2 % rise from the previous year. About 93 % of those recognized are Colombian, reflecting continued violence in Colombia that forces people to cross the border for protection, while Venezuelans remain the largest refugee nationality historically in Ecuador. The agency warned that the asylum system faces serious constraints, noting a 33 % drop in applications and a 21 % decline in recognitions in 2025 due to budget cuts.

Six Ecuadorian citizens returned to Guayaquil on 30 June after the magnitude‑7 earthquake in Venezuela, bringing the total number of returnees to nine. The repatriation was coordinated by Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry and carried out by an Ecuadorian Air Force C‑130 Hercules, with health and migration officials providing assistance on arrival. The ministry continues to keep a registration form open for Ecuadorians in Venezuela who need support to return.