Colombia
Temporary identity, migration management, and statelessness solutions
Colombia has implemented various registration and regularization campaigns aimed at identifying and documenting Venezuelan migrants by issuing temporary protected status. In 2021 a Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) was introduced to give migrants a 10-year status. For several years, officials at the Colombian civil registry did not consider a PPT as proof of legal residence for the purpose of nationality acquisition. Colombia created an exception to the general procedure to facilitate access to Colombian nationality for the children of Venezuelan parents born in the country between 2015 and 2021. Both CEDAW (2019) and the CMW (2020) applauded these measures. However, organizations researching and providing legal accompaniment to Venezuelans have critiqued the measures as fragmentary and short-term.
Promising Practices and Updates
Colombia reported to the CRC in 2023 that it was implementing its “Open Arms” project. The project established civil registry offices in hospitals and clinics nationwide to promote early birth registration and guarantee children’s right to a nationality, including the children of Venezuelan parents.
Additional Documentation
Schmidt, Liza (2022) For Venezuelans in Colombia, the Long Path to Legal Residency
CEDAW (2019) Concluding Observations 9th Report Colombia
CMW (2020) Concluding Observations 3rd Report Colombia CMW/C/COL/CO/3
Colombia (2023) 6th to 7th Report to CRC CRC/C/COL/6-7
ACNUR (2023) El Riesgo de Apatridia en Movimientos Mixtos Sucesivos
