The President of the Republic issued the Temporary Statute for the protection of migrants from Venezuela, which includes a registry of migrants and a protection permit, which will be valid for 10 years.
The purpose of this regulation is to create the Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelan Migrants Under the Temporary Protection Regime, defined as a legal mechanism for temporary protection focused on the Venezuelan migrant population. The objective of the statute is to create a registry of migrant population and to grant a temporary benefit of regularization.
The individuals who meet any of the following criteria are eligible for the permit:
- Being in Colombian territory on a regular basis with one of the following permits: Entry and Permanence Permit (PIP), Temporary Permanence Permit (PTP) or Special Permanence Permit (PEP), the permit must be valid.
- Being in Colombian territory on a permanent basis as holders of a Safe-pass of Permanence SC - 2 within the framework of the processing of an application for the recognition of the refugee status.
- Being undocumented in Colombian territory on January 31st, 2021.
- Enter Colombian territory through an Immigration Control Post, complying with the requirements established by the immigration regulations, during the first two (2) years of validity of this Statute.
The Single Registry of Venezuelan Migrants will serve as the basis for the development of public policies and the identification of migrants who meet the conditions that allow them access to this temporary protection. Inclusion in the registry does not imply modification of immigration status or recognition of refugee status.
The administration of this registry will correspond to Migración Colombia, entity that will issue the administrative act that puts it into operation.
Finally, the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) will be created as a mechanism for migratory regularization and identification document, which will allow to remain in the national territory and to exercise any legal activity.