Socioeconomic Integration of Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees: The Cases of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru

This report discusses the mass exodus of Venezuelans from their country since 2015. Of the estimated 5.6 million Venezuelans living abroad in June of 2021, 4.6. million were in other Latin American or Caribbean countries, with the largest numbers in Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. The report explores several key dimensions of socioeconomic integration, including levels of economic inclusion, educational attainment, access to health care, and social cohesion. While governments in the region have taken creative approaches to provide legal status to Venezuelan newcomers, a sizable number remain in irregular status. Throughout the five studied countries, unemployment rates are higher for Venezuelans than their local counterparts. Despite high levels of educational attainment—particularly among those who migrated in earlier periods, many Venezuelan migrants and refugees have only been able to access informal jobs with low wages, partly due to barriers to having their credentials recognized. Obstacles to financial inclusion have left many Venezuelans with below-minimum-wage incomes and living in poverty. In addition, the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to lose jobs. The report also traces changes in public opinion regarding Venezuelan immigration over the six-year study period.

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