The main needs of Venezuelan migrants

Integration into host communities, obtaining decent housing and protection from threats are the Main needs declared by Venezuelan migrants in destination countries, according to a new report from the platform that brings together the UN and NGOs that collaborate in caring for this group.

From more than 14,000 households in 15 of the 17 countries covered by the Regional Interagency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants in Venezuela, the humanitarian community is trying to shed light on a group that continues to suffer from serious deficiencies in some basic rights.

In places classified as destinations, nearly 63% of the Venezuelans interviewed acknowledge that they have needs, a fact that is shoots up above 88% if it concerns people still in transit. More than a third of host communities also suffer from deprivation.

One of the basic pillars on which it is based The potential development and integration of migrants is that of legality, since Although 4.5 million people have been able to regularize their situation, around 68% of the total, about 2.2 million, remain in an irregular situation.

«Mainly due to the high costs and strict entry and visa requirements, as well as complex legal processes,” the report says.

Around 61.4% of those interviewed confess to deficiencies in terms of integration, while 57.3% cite housing needs. In fact, one in Two Venezuelan families live in inadequate and unsustainable housing and more than 23% suffer directly from overcrowding, mainly due to high prices and lack of resources.

Unemployment among Venezuelan migrants is around 16%

Not in vain, although the unemployment rate among Venezuelan migrants and refugees is around 16%, more than 82% of those who do have work are linked to the informal sector, which implies “lower wages, lack of social protection and unsafe working conditions.” Furthermore, 41% of respondents do not have access to financial services.

Protection is the third most frequently cited need in destination countries, with 54.4%, with a focus on both the authorities in the host countries and on society itself. Almost one in five migrants has suffered incidents linked to xenophobia or discrimination in your workplace.

On the opposite side in terms of concerns is education, since it is barely 9.4% identify this need in the study carried out by R4V. However, the same report also shows that 22% of children are not in school, often because families prioritise more immediate issues such as housing or food.

42% of migrants and refugees at their destination suffer from food shortages, while among those in transit the figure rises to 50%. Experts have pointed out that A “significant” number of people resort to “negative coping strategies,” that is, to consume less food than they should.

The organizations plan to use the results of the surveys to develop the regional response plan for the period 2025-2026, which is scheduled to be presented in December.