Uncertainty and concern have gripped thousands of Venezuelan citizens in Colombia following recent announcements regarding operations to deport foreigners with irregular status. Amidst this situation, a crucial debate has emerged regarding the mechanisms currently available to regularize their status in the country, at a time when obtaining “proper documentation” has become a challenge for the migrant population.
The end of the general PPT for adults
The current situation for Venezuelan migrants is extremely complex. For years, the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) was the primary tool for regularization. However, the widespread issuance of this document for adults was suspended during the term of the previous president, Gustavo Petro, remaining available only for very specific cases. This halt to mass regularization has left thousands of people in a vulnerable position.
Faced with announcements of stricter controls by the current government, migrant assistance centers in cities like Medellín are overwhelmed with people urgently seeking a legal pathway to avoid being reported or deported.
What does a Venezuelan need to regularize their status in Colombia today?
According to guidelines from Migración Colombia, the currently available pathways for regularization and their corresponding requirements are:
The limited Temporary Protection Permit (PPT): currently, this permit is no longer issued openly to the adult population. It remains available only for: school-age minors and the guardians of such minors.
Visitor Visa (Visa V): this visa offers regularization for a period of two years. To apply, the migrant must meet the following requirements:
Have entered Colombia before December 2024.
Possess a passport.
Present evidence of their presence in the country prior to December 2024; this can be an immigration stamp or alternative proof certifying that they were already residing in the country before that date. Asylum Application: This is an alternative for those fleeing the crisis, although the report warns that it is a lengthy process that can easily take two years to resolve. Standard Visas for Foreigners: Venezuelan citizens can also apply for the standard visas Colombia offers to any foreign national. The main options are:
Work Visa: Requires a valid passport and a formal job offer that guarantees and technically justifies hiring a foreigner for the position.
Student Visa: Requires enrollment in an authorized university.
Digital Nomad Visa.
Despite the existence of these channels, the reality is that nearly 500,000 Venezuelans were left out of the Temporary Protection Statute. For this group, obtaining regular legal status is nearly impossible due to two major barriers identified in the report:
Lack of a passport: The vast majority of migrants in an irregular situation do not possess this document, which is essential for processing any visa.
Lack of financial resources: Many do not have the money needed to cover visa fees.
The scale of the administrative crisis is evident in regions like Antioquia, where an estimated 290,000-plus Venezuelans have regularized their status (whether through the PPT or other mechanisms). However, the strain on the system is immense: 33,000 people are still waiting for the physical delivery of their legalization documents, while 66,000 migrants have not yet been able to start any procedure to regularize their status.
