By Ariadna Eljuri on December 3, 2021
Photo: @CancilleriaVE
More than 5,363 Venezuelans, coming from Ecuador, have returned to date to the country through the “Return to the Homeland” plan, promoted by the National Government, after the constant xenophobic attacks against the compatriots who are in other nations.
In a meeting with the media, in Quito, the Venezuelan Consul, Pedro Sassone, emphasized that, to date, 59 flights have been made, which have departed from different points of Ecuador.
“It is completely voluntary. Just as they left, they can return, because that is what the process of human mobility is all about”, said Sassone, quoted by the EFE news agency.
Sassone estimated that between 35 and 40% of Venezuelans have entered the Andean country irregularly.
The consul also pointed out that between 25% and 30% of the documents requested and paid for are not withdrawn by the applicants. He pointed out that in 2021, the Consulate delivered more than 12,000 passport extensions and 3,313 new documents.
More than 1.6 million Venezuelan migrants have passed through Ecuador in recent years, the vast majority destined for countries further south on the continent such as Chile and Peru, where they believed they would have better livelihood opportunities.
In Ecuador, official figures estimate that around 400,000 have stayed, although international organizations and NGOs put the figure as high as 600,000.
It should be recalled that, in view of the xenophobic attacks and homicides against Venezuelans, President Nicolás Maduro ordered to expand the program Vuelta a la Patria, as a way to help provide a safe way back, especially in countries such as Ecuador, Chile and Peru, where there has been more violence against Venezuelans.
Source: Ultimas Noticias, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English