Impact of Venezuelan migration in Peru: challenges and opportunities for both countries.

The phenomenon of Venezuelan migration has significantly transformed the social, economic, and cultural structure of Peru. A recent study by the Institute of Peruvian Studies (IEP) and CHS Alternativo reveals that Peru has become the second country in South America with the highest number of Venezuelan immigrants, reaching alarming figures that elevate the Venezuelan population in the country to approximately one and a half million people. This increase in migration, which began to be strongly felt since 2016, has posed challenges and opportunities for both countries. The migratory situation of Venezuelans in Peru is complex. It is estimated that 51% of foreigners in the country are in an irregular situation, which translates to nearly 950,000 Venezuelans living without proper documentation. The lack of information about asylum processes is alarming, as one in three migrants entering through Tumbes is unaware of the existence of this system. This highlights an urgent need to increase the dissemination of information and improve regularization processes to facilitate the integration of this population. However, the perception of the Peruvian population regarding Venezuelan migration is ambivalent. About 82.8% of Peruvians believe that the government is not prepared to integrate Venezuelans, and this sentiment is stronger among young people and those from higher socioeconomic levels. Despite this, Peruvian youth show a more open trend, with four out of ten young people aged 18 to 24 trusting in the ability of Venezuelans to perform job roles in their businesses. This contrast in opinions reflects a struggle for acceptance and integration, which remains a challenge. The study also highlights the risks and dangers faced by migrants. Human trafficking and labor exploitation are increasingly common practices, fueled by the desperation of those seeking to improve their living conditions. This context has led to an increase in the stigmatization of the Venezuelan population, exacerbated by isolated cases of criminality that do not reflect the reality of the majority. The tendency to generalize and associate migration with crime is a problem that must be urgently addressed. Historically, migration has flowed from south to north, but the Venezuelan exodus has challenged this logic, as thousands of citizens have opted to seek refuge in countries with fewer resources. This dynamic has been an unprecedented phenomenon for South America, creating unprecedented pressure on health, education, and employment systems in countries like Peru. Since their arrival, Venezuelan migrants have gone through different stages, each marked by changes in migratory policies and economic conditions in both Venezuela and Peru. The first wave of migrants, between 2016 and 2017, was mostly made up of professionals and technicians who found job opportunities in Peru. The opening of borders and the creation of the Temporary Stay Permit facilitated the arrival of a population that initially integrated with relative ease. The second wave, between 2018 and March 2020, brought with it a rapid and unusual migration due to the desperation caused by the crisis in Venezuela. However, this growth was accompanied by an increase in xenophobic attitudes in Peru, evidenced by competition for jobs and the emergence of crimes, although the latter represented a very small portion of the Venezuelan population. With the arrival of the pandemic, the landscape changed drastically. Many Venezuelans became essential workers, contributing to the health response at a critical moment, highlighting their valuable contribution to the Peruvian economy. However, the economic recovery was slow and outpaced the available services, leading to an increase in begging and the criminalization of migration. From mid-2022 onwards, irregular migration became the norm, which not only complicated the situation for Venezuelans but also facilitated the entry of criminal organizations that have begun to transform the security landscape in the country. The presence of Tren de Aragua and other gangs has created an atmosphere of violence and extortion that affects all Peruvians and has been wrongly linked to Venezuelan migration. Ricardo Valdés, director of CHS Alternativo, points out that although Peru is a host country for migrants, it has also sent millions of Peruvians abroad. This migratory exchange must be considered in its entirety, with a perspective that takes into account the contributions that Venezuelan migrants make to the country. It is estimated that these citizens are generating a positive impact on the growth of Peru's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as evidenced by studies projecting growth due to the work of immigrants. The research highlights that while Venezuelan migration has sometimes been viewed negatively, it is crucial to recognize its potential. This group not only fills job vacancies that many Peruvians are unwilling to occupy but also contributes to economic growth by generating demand for goods and services, thereby increasing reinvestment in the country. In conclusion, the migratory phenomenon in Peru is a complex reality that requires a comprehensive and sensitive approach. The situation of Venezuelan migrants should not be viewed solely from the perspective of problems and dangers, but also as an opportunity to enrich Peruvian society, opening spaces for collaboration and integration. With appropriate policies that facilitate regularization and promote harmonious coexistence, Peru can benefit from the human capital represented by Venezuelan migration.