Attachments
Guyana hosts refugees and migrants from Venezuela, including significant numbers of indigenous people, as well as Guyanese returnees. Due to the significant economic growth in 2022 and the projected future economic growth of 49.7% per annum following the discovery of oil and gas, the Venezuelan population is expected to increase in 2023 and continuously grow in 2024.
Venezuelans are issued a renewable 3-month stay permit upon arrival. The validity of extensions increased from 3 to 6 months in 2022. Refugees and migrants from Venezuela can also benefit from public services afforded to citizens but have limited means to travel and reach the places where these services are provided. In 2022, although the Guyanese Government, in conjunction with R4V partners, led efforts to respond to the needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, many of them faced several challenges in accessing food, shelter, and health services, among others. By September 2022, the price of food had increased by more than 11% compared to previous years, eroding purchasing power and creating severe food insecurity which impacted the refugee and migrant and host communities. Remote areas such as rural and rainforest regions have been more acutely impacted by food insecurity owing to insufficient infrastructure to deliver food assistance. Further, a lack of safe and dignified shelter has been a burden for the Venezuelan population.
Protection concerns for refugees and migrants from Venezuela remain paramount, with the need for legal representation and documentation identified as a high priority. In addition, child protection and prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) as well as trafficking in persons are major concerns. Sex workers from the refugee and migrant community also experience human rights violations and exploitation and represent one of the most vulnerable groups. Limited livelihoods and income-generating options remain significant obstacles to integration, as are language barriers, particularly for indigenous groups. Additionally, access to sanitary facilities and potable water remain a challenge, especially in remote areas and for indigenous people.