Central America’s Migration Crisis: A Rising Tide of Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, and More

In Darien, Panama, the Ministry of Public Security has revealed that from January 1 to March 31, 2024, a staggering total of 109,069 migrants crossed the region. Among the nationalities with the highest number of entries are Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, Haitians, and Colombians.

In Honduras, the National Migration Institute recorded that 87,852 migrants have crossed the country between January and February 2024. This represents a significant increase of 125.6% compared to the same period in 2023. The migrants mostly consist of Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians, and Ecuadorians.

Colombia has seen a surge in Venezuelan migrants in recent years. Statistics show that between January and March 2024, half of all Venezuelan migrants in Colombia were women aged between 18 and 39 years old. A significant portion of these migrants have been granted the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT), which gives them access to essential services such as identification, health care, education and justice.

Cuba has been experiencing an influx of its nationals being returned to the island from various countries in the region. Between January and March 2024 alone, over 170 Cubans were repatriated in just over two dozen operations. Meanwhile in Ecuador it has been reported that an average of over one hundred Ecuadorians crosses irregularly every day into neighboring countries with a total of almost sixty thousand per month – many face deportation upon arrival due to their unlawful entry into those countries.

Overall it is clear that there is a growing problem with migration across Central America and other parts of Latin America with many people leaving their homes due to poverty or political instability seeking better opportunities elsewhere.