Impact of Venezuelan Migration in Peru: Economic Challenges and Opportunities

The Venezuelan migration to Peru has been a transformative phenomenon in the social and economic dynamics of the country in recent years. According to a study by the Institute of Peruvian Studies (IEP) and CHS Alternativo, Peru has become the second country in South America with the highest reception of Venezuelan immigrants, with numbers exceeding one and a half million people, second only to Colombia. This migratory movement has been driven by the severe crisis facing Venezuela, prompting many to seek new opportunities in nearby nations. The report reveals that, of the total immigrants in Peru, 51% are in irregular situations, which includes nearly 949,784 Venezuelans. This irregular situation is largely related to delays in the regularization processes, complicating the integration of this community into Peruvian society. Additionally, the study indicates that a significant portion of the newcomers lacks information about the asylum system, limiting their chances of regularizing their status. Despite the challenges, the study also shows that the opinion of Peruvians regarding Venezuelan migration is ambivalent. While 82.8% of respondents believe the government is unprepared to integrate the Venezuelan population, 40% of Peruvians trust these immigrants' ability to fill positions in their businesses. This confidence is particularly notable among young people, who are more likely to see Venezuelans as a valuable addition to the local economy. However, the massive arrival of Venezuelans has also raised concerns about security and job competition. At several key moments in recent years, xenophobic attitudes have been recorded, partly driven by competition in the job market and some incidents of crime. Although the majority of Venezuelans are migrants seeking work, a small percentage has been associated with criminal activities, contributing to a negative perception among some sectors of the Peruvian population. The migratory phenomenon has evolved through four stages since 2016. In the first stage, when Peru began receiving Venezuelans, most migrants were skilled professionals, thanks to policies like the Temporary Permit for Stay (PTP). Over time, however, the situation changed, and the arrival of migrants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds became more common, placing greater pressure on resources and public services. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant change in the migratory dynamic. Many Venezuelans became essential in the healthcare sector, actively contributing to the country’s recovery during a critical time. More than 5,630 Venezuelan healthcare professionals worked on the front lines, participating in the treatment and care of Peruvians during the health crisis. As mobility restrictions increased, migration became primarily irregular, facilitating the arrival of criminal organizations and exacerbating public security issues in the country. This has generated a context in which Venezuelan migration is often perceived as a burden rather than an opportunity. However, Ricardo Valdés, the executive director of CHS Alternativo, emphasizes the importance of valuing the contributions of these migrants to the Peruvian economy. Valdés mentions that Venezuelan migration represents not only a valuable labor force but also brings with it potential for economic growth. A study by the International Monetary Fund has projected that the presence of Venezuelan migrants could contribute to a 4% GDP growth in Peru through their work and consumption. This economic impact, often overlooked, underscores the need for a more balanced approach to migration that recognizes both the challenges and opportunities it presents. Regarding social interaction, the study reveals that the use of social networks is predominant among Venezuelans and Peruvians, with Facebook being the most utilized platform for staying informed about the community. Perceptions of coexistence between both communities vary, but overall, 24% of respondents identify their experience with Venezuelans as positive. The lack of effective integration remains a persistent challenge, as many Venezuelans face barriers to homologating their professional qualifications and accessing jobs that reflect their training. Public policies must adapt to facilitate this integration and capitalize on the potential of these migrants within the economic and social fabric of the country. Furthermore, it is crucial to foster an environment of respect and coexistence, where the contributions of migration to the cultural wealth and labor force of Peru are recognized. In summary, Venezuelan migration has presented both challenges and opportunities for Peru. While it is evident that the country faces difficulties in managing the arrival of migrants, it is also undeniable that they have contributed to the country’s growth and economy. A more comprehensive and humanitarian approach to migration could pave the way for successful integration, benefiting both immigrants and Peruvian society as a whole.