Fact Sheet

Conditions Venezuelan Deportees Will Return To

Venezuelan migration is the largest exodus in Latin America’s recent history.

Since 2015, nearly 8 million people have left their home, with a vast majority migrating to Latin American countries – primarily Brazil, Colombia, and Peru – and many others to the United States, hoping to find refuge from violence, economic hardship, and political repression.

Some characteristics of the Venezuelan population in the U.S.

In 2023, 18% of Venezuelans in the U.S. had no health insurance and less access to healthcare services than U.S. citizens. They were also more likely to have lower incomes and live in poverty than others. Most were young, with higher labor participation among people over 16 years of age.  

Socioeconomic Conditions in Venezuela

Security

  • In 2023 there were 6,973 violent deaths, which includes homicides, deaths by police intervention, and those still “under investigation.” 
  • Deaths “under investigation” represent 58.3% of violent deaths in the country, which is alarming considering international standards establish that this category should not exceed 10% of those killed in police interventions.
  • Femicides and gender violence are worrying: 127 women were murdered between January and September 2024.
  • In 2023, 11% of households had been the victim of a crime and 47% of the population was afraid of being the victim of a crime.
  • Extortion and protection rackets are widespread in the country, with the latter being the result of the lack of protection granted by the police.
  • Different types of criminal groups operate in the country, including foreign drug trafficking organizations, security forces, corrupt officials, and guerilla groups.

Threats from Extreme Weather Events

Political Context

  • In July 2024, President Nicolás Maduro won a third term, amid claims of fraud and repression. Electoral authorities have yet to produce tally sheets to support his claim of victory. While his term is set to end in 2030, it is highly unlikely that Venezuela will hold free and fair elections that allow a peaceful transition of power.
  • Authorities have intensified repression and shut down avenues for dissent. Protests in response to July’s elections resulted in multiple deaths and arrests.
  • Since 2014, there have been 17,882 politically motivated arrests.
  • Venezuela is considered one of the most corrupt countries with the least political freedom in the world, ranking 178th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index.
  • In 2024, Venezuela was classified as a country that is “Not Free”.

Without Reintegration Plans

The Venezuelan government has not announced a reinsertion plan to accommodate its deported nationals, leaving them exposed to very precarious conditions.

Reliable data on the conditions in Venezuela is hard to come by, as the government has stopped publishing official statistics. Several different non-governmental organizations have looked to fill this gap by carrying out studies of their own and publishing data on key indicators.

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