Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered authorities to begin the immediate deportation of undocumented migrants, saying foreigners involved in criminal activity will be prioritised, followed by those who have failed to regularise their immigration status.

 

Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered authorities to begin the immediate deportation of undocumented migrants, saying foreigners involved in criminal activity will be prioritised, followed by those who have failed to regularise their immigration status.

The crackdown is expected to affect Venezuelans most heavily, with Colombia hosting around 2.8 million Venezuelans, including approximately 848,000 reportedly living in irregular status. African nationals from countries including Angola, Cameroon, Somalia, Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia have also been recorded among migrants travelling through Colombia irregularly, although these are transit figures and should not be confused with the Venezuelan population living in irregular status.

The move forms part of the new president’s tougher immigration and security agenda, with his administration pledging to put “Colombians first” as authorities prepare to intensify immigration enforcement and deportations.

Source: Sahara Reporters / Migración Colombia