Here Is How Colombia’s Temporary Protected Status For Venezuelan Refugees Works

Recently, Migración Colombia issued Resolution 0971 of April 28, 2021 implementing the Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelan Migrants adopted by Decree 216 of March 1, 2021.

In general terms, the statute is in force for those who are on Colombian territory in an irregular manner, as long as they prove that they were in Colombia as of January 31, 2021. Additionally, those who enter the Colombian territory in a regular manner during the first two years of the statute’s validity, that is, from May 29, 2021 to May 28, 2023. However, this condition will be subject to what is established by the Ministry of Health, in relation to the declaration of the Sanitary Emergency.

The implementation of the Temporary Status for Venezuelan Migrants will be done through the Single Registry of Venezuelan Migrants (RUMV), in addition to the application and issuance of the Temporary Protection Permit; with the objective of guaranteeing the rights of the populations of special protection through differential actions.

Resolution 0971 of 2021 applies to all Venezuelan migrants who wish to stay temporarily in the national territory and who meet one of the conditions set forth in the document, in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of Decree 216 of 2021:

1. Be in Colombian territory on a regular basis as holders of an Entry and Stay Permit (PIP), Temporary Stay Permit (PTP) or a Special Stay Permit (PEP) in force, whatever its stage of issuance including the PEPFF.
2. Be in Colombian territory on a regular basis as holders of a SC-2 laissez-passer as part of the processing of an application for recognition of refugee status.
3. To be in Colombian territory in an irregular manner as of January 31, 2021.
4. To enter Colombian territory in a regular manner through the respective legally authorized Migration Control Post, complying with the requirements established in the immigration regulations, during the first two (2) years of validity of the statute, that is to say, from May 29, 2021 until May 28, 2023. Notwithstanding, this condition will be subject to what is established by the Ministry of Health, in relation to the declaration of the Sanitary Emergency.

Continuing with the above, the registration in the Single Registry of Venezuelan Migrants will be carried out in two stages: Virtual Pre-Registration and Face-to-Face Biometric Registration, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 7 and 12 of this Resolution. The Migration Authority may advance the development of the aforementioned stages by signing inter-institutional agreements.

Humberto Rodríguez G. is an accountant, lawyer, partner, and general manager of Rodríguez Asociados Abogados y Contadores SAS. The proven Medellín-based firm has experience providing advisory services on a broad range of matters, including general business, corporations, contracts, investments, employment, finance, and taxation. For more information, connect with Rodríguez through the firm’s website, Facebook, or email at mailto:[email protected].