An official from the Municipal Council of Cúcuta believes that controls must be deepened both at formal and informal levels. “One factor that may influence this is unemployment (in Venezuela), the rates could be rising,” he said.
Jonathan Maldonado | The Nation
Authorities in Norte de Santander, and especially in Cúcuta, are on alert for the possible arrival of another Venezuelan “wave of migration” following the political and social tensions in the country following the presidential elections on July 28.
Within the Municipal Council of the capital of Norte de Santander, concern is latent. In conversation with The Nation NewspaperEdinson Contreras, president of the Chamber, urges Migración Colombia to reinforce border controls.
Contreras believes that a wave of migration is imminent. “We must be very alert, because it is presumed to be quite high and could cause some consequences in the city.”
This official believes that controls must be strengthened both at formal crossings (bridges) and at informal crossings (trails). “One factor that may influence this is unemployment (in Venezuela), the rates could be rising,” he said.
Edinson Contreras also expressed concern about the issue of insecurity, because although he acknowledged that most migrants arrive with the intention of working, he said that some, due to their level of vulnerability, end up joining gangs or cross-border groups.
According to Colombian government figures, more than 220,000 Venezuelan migrants have settled in Cúcuta and another 38,000 in Villa del Rosario. Colombia hosts the largest number of migrants and refugees from Venezuela, with more than 2.8 million people as of January of this year.
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