A FORGOTTEN RESPONSE AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE - Venezuelans’ Economic Inclusion in Colombia

In addition, actors on the ground reported that the government is not following through the commitments established in the new Integral Migratory Law from 2021.5 Among other things, the law considers the implementation of policies to foster the socio- economic integration of the migrant population in the country, fostering access to employment, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, among other th. [...] The inadequate implementation of the CONPES 4100, the Income Generation strategy and the Integral Migratory Law is preventing the continuation of important policies and actions focused on ensuring the inclusion of Venezuelans in the country. [...] As a local expert reported: “By the time they would bring the PPT to Maicao, for example, the person would already have left for Medellin.” The delay in the delivery of the PPT cards affected the implementation of the regularization process. [...] For example, the GCFF financed the implementation of the EPTV, supported the affiliation of Venezuelans into the social security and health system, and provided resources for the Ministries of Labor and Education to validate Venezuelans’ skills and credentials. [...] As a municipal officer said: “Here they have a voice and a vote!” Through the creation of the territorial managers and the establishment of the Migration Bureau, the municipality is working directly with the neighborhoods to address the collective needs and the new challenges related to the Venezuelan displacement.