The Ecuadorian government has begun a regularization process so that Venezuelans in an irregular situation can obtain temporary residence visas for up to four years. President Daniel Noboa decreed an eight-month immigration amnesty for these migrants, along with an extraordinary regularization process.
For the next eight months, Venezuelans who are not regularized will be able to apply for the Exceptional Temporary Residence visa, which will last for two years and can be renewed for another two, adding up to a total of four years of residence.
The decree also exempts those who reside irregularly and have the Certificate of Migratory Stay from paying fines, although they will have to cover the cost of the visa and the ID card order. Identity documents expired for up to five years will be accepted for this procedure, facilitating the application process.
Ecuador had already granted a migration amnesty in June of last year under the mandate of Guillermo Lasso, beginning the registration of Venezuelans who entered without going through immigration controls in a first phase implemented in August 2022.
According to Acunr, around 7.7 million people have left Venezuela due to the economic and social crisis.l. Although Ecuador does not have official figures on Venezuelan immigrants, it is estimated that some 500,000 are in the country.many of whom entered during the pandemic through the border with Colombia without going through immigration controls.
