BTN News: In a significant move to address the ongoing migration challenges, the Government of Ecuador has announced a new amnesty and regularization process for Venezuelan nationals residing in the country. This initiative, authorized by a decree from President Daniel Noboa, aims to provide a legal pathway for Venezuelans who have been unable to regularize their status, offering them a fresh opportunity to secure their place in Ecuador. This effort is particularly crucial as it affects thousands of Venezuelans who have been living in Ecuador with expired or invalid documentation, and who now face the risk of deportation or continued marginalization due to their irregular status.
The decree specifically targets Venezuelan nationals who had previously participated in the “Registro de Permanencia Migratoria” (Migration Stay Registry) initiated in June 2022 but were unable to obtain the Visado de Residencia Temporal de Excepción (Virte II) or whose certificates of permanence have expired. Under the new directive, these individuals, along with their families, will be able to renew their certificates and apply for the updated Virte II visa, which grants them legal residence for two years with the possibility of a one-time extension. This measure not only provides a legal foothold for many Venezuelan migrants but also opens doors to essential services and rights that have been out of reach for those in an irregular situation.
The process, which will span over eight months, has been designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. The registration form for the regularization process will be free of charge, although applicants will need to cover the costs associated with the visa and the issuance of an Ecuadorian identity card. The Virte II visa, valid for two years, can be renewed once, allowing Venezuelan nationals to potentially change their migration status within this period. This flexibility is intended to support long-term integration and stability for the migrant community in Ecuador.
Importantly, the decree recognizes the vulnerability of certain groups within the Venezuelan migrant population, particularly children and adolescents who are unaccompanied or separated from their families. The Ministry of Inclusion, Economic and Social (MIES) has been tasked with reinforcing the amnesty for these young individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary protection and support during the regularization process. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and the Police Intelligence Directorate will conduct assessments to determine if any applicants pose a risk to public safety, ensuring that the process is both comprehensive and secure.
The new regularization effort comes at a critical time, as the validity of many Virte visas issued between 2022 and 2023 is set to expire in September. The Asociación Venezuela en Ecuador, a key advocacy group for Venezuelan migrants, had previously raised concerns about the potential for thousands of migrants to lose their legal status, calling on the government to act swiftly to prevent a humanitarian crisis. This latest decree appears to be a direct response to these concerns, offering a much-needed lifeline to those who have been living in uncertainty.
Over the past few years, Ecuador has emerged as one of the primary destinations for Venezuelan migrants, currently hosting the fifth-largest Venezuelan community globally, with over 444,800 individuals. Previous regularization efforts, supported by international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have helped more than 248,000 Venezuelans register for temporary residence, with over 95,000 securing the Virte visa. Despite these efforts, many Venezuelans have continued to struggle with legal and social integration, underscoring the importance of this new regularization process.
The government’s decision to accept identity documents or passports that have been expired for up to five years reflects a pragmatic approach to the challenges faced by Venezuelan migrants, many of whom fled their country without up-to-date documentation. By allowing the use of these expired documents, Ecuador is acknowledging the difficulties these migrants have faced and offering them a real chance to rebuild their lives with legal security.
For Venezuelans in Ecuador, this decree is more than just a legal formality—it represents an opportunity to access fundamental rights and services that have been out of reach for too long. From healthcare and education to employment and financial inclusion, the ability to regularize their status will enable these individuals to fully participate in Ecuadorian society. It also reinforces Ecuador’s commitment to upholding human rights and providing humanitarian support to those affected by the Venezuelan crisis.
As the process unfolds over the coming months, the involved state agencies will need to collaborate closely to ensure that the amnesty and regularization are implemented effectively. With clear secondary regulations expected to be established within the next two months, the success of this initiative will depend on the efficiency and cooperation of all stakeholders involved.
In conclusion, Ecuador’s new amnesty and regularization process for Venezuelan migrants marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by one of the largest displaced communities in Latin America. By offering a clear and accessible path to legal status, Ecuador is providing hope and stability to thousands of Venezuelans who have sought refuge within its borders. This move not only benefits the migrants themselves but also strengthens Ecuador’s social fabric by promoting inclusion and respect for human rights.
