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Immigrants from Venezuela

mugtech
#1
Just read that the national oil company, PDVSA, did not make an interest payment of over $400,000,000 on 11/22/16,.  They do have a 30 day window, and supposedly some debt restructuring will free up more cash for interest payments.  Since 95% of Venezuela exports are gas and oil, a default would cause chaos.  I was wondering if anyone on the ground in Ecuador has seen any increase in expats coming from Venezuela.   In 2015 it seemed like a high percentage of new members of the forum were from Venezuela.  It would appear that anyone with a Venezuela passport could come to Ecuador very easily.
See also
cccmedia
#2
I haven’t seen them personally.

Last year, as you alluded, there was a tremendous increase in new members on the Ecuador sites of expat.com -- especially noticeable on the Spanish-language EC site.  They wanted out of Venezuela .. and fast.

However, many of these good folks did not have a clue how to get permanent residency in Ecuador, which -- for working-age Venezuelans and other such extranjeros -- typically requires a job-offer/official contract.

Back in the day, there was closeness between the two countries’ presidentes, but since Hugo Chavez’s death, things have been downhill for Venezuela.  With the possible exception of Spanish-language medical personnel and a small percentage of Vens with Ecuador job contracts, it seems unlikely that immigration here is a solution for the preponderance of those seeking to flee permanently from “the South American country where it’s all gone wrong.”

cccmedia in Quito
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vsimple
#3
I’ve remember reading an article with statistics that stated that almost all or about 98% of arriving Venezuelans depart from Ecuador. Another piece stated that of those that remain about 75% are skilled individuals with job contracts. So, what ccc wrote correlates with that info, in that they arrive find it difficult to find a job and residency, and eventually move on. From a personal perspective, I know a few, two I met recently who live on my street, and work here legally, friendly people. Another one I’m limiting communication with because it always leads to her complaining about earning less than the básico. She doesn't have a college degree, doesn't have a work visa, and what does she or other people in her situation expect. So she'll probably join the others and eventually move on as well.
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gardener1
#4
Venezuela’s Currency Just Had the Biggest Monthly Collapse Ever

The ‘strong bolivar’ has lost 45% of its value this month

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles … lapse-ever



Venezuela Currency Loses 45% This Month as Hyperinflation Escalates
The Venezuelan bolivar lost 45% of its value against the US dollar so far this month, the biggest monthly decline ever.

Officially it takes 10 bolivars to buy a US dollar. On the black market it takes 2,753 bolivars to buy a US dollar.

The bolivar is all but worthless. This is the classic definition of hyperinflation.

https://mishtalk.com/2016/11/24/venezue … escalates/:(
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mugtech
#5

gardener1 wrote:

Venezuela’s Currency Just Had the Biggest Monthly Collapse Ever

The ‘strong bolivar’ has lost 45% of its value this month

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles … lapse-ever



Venezuela Currency Loses 45% This Month as Hyperinflation Escalates
The Venezuelan bolivar lost 45% of its value against the US dollar so far this month, the biggest monthly decline ever.

Officially it takes 10 bolivars to buy a US dollar. On the black market it takes 2,753 bolivars to buy a US dollar.

The bolivar is all but worthless. This is the classic definition of hyperinflation.

https://mishtalk.com/2016/11/24/venezue … escalates/:(


Scary stuff, sounds like Germany during the depression, takes a bag of money to buy a bag of food.  This can't end well, 400% inflation for the year.

vsimple
#6
This is an on the ground update about Venezuelans in Quito. Do keep in mind this is my opinion as a resident of this city. This past month four Venezuelans that I knew have moved on. Two worked in the food and beverage industry and them moving on is quite understandable. But two other Venezuelans on my block who have been here less than six months also moved on. The only evidence of them leaving is an arriendo sign on their once occupied apartment. This is quite strange because a deposit is a lot of money to forfeiture (and I know they did) especially for many migrants from Venezuela. An Ecuatoriano friend speculates that they left because the area is too pricey for them and have probably found their way and moved to a cheaper neighborhood, that’s plausible.

Personally all this movement has made me reflect on the suspicions that Ecuatorianos have about such migratory people. These folk are essentially strangers and it’s difficult to trust people like that because one day they are here and the next they vanish into the night. I’m not saying everyone, but the numbers of people leaving surely give me the right to generalize.

So what’s the point of this post. I would rather trust someone who has a stable life than someone who is moving on and ecuatorianos see this everyday hence their reluctance to trust foreigners.
vsimple
#7
So a friend of mine (Ecuatoriano) made an observation, which in fact is kind of true (because not all Venezuelans are alike financially). Some Venezuelans despite earning a basic salary seem to be living it up during the weekends. They're not drinking the cheap stuff.

I think they are receiving remittances from Venezuelans abroad to subsidize their budgets here. I personally know some who migrated from here to developed countries and it explains lifestyles.
mugtech
#8
Perhaps there will be more auto workers available soon.
vsimple
#9
It doesn't really matter the trend is established and consistent. Simply put, Venezuelans come here, they find out the hard way they cant sustain a decent quality of life and move on. This is a palanca society, one where a person doesn't get a job beyond basic salary unless they have connections, or there's a need, like doctors for example.
vsimple
#10
Here is an update on Venezuelans in Ecuador. Many continue to arrive but the overwhelming majority leave. Where do they go? Some to Europe, a lot to other South American countries, Peru, Chile and Uruguay are quite popular. Peru I believe granted temporary residency  to many of them lately. The ones that remain work in all sectors and some have opened their own businesses catering to locals and other Venezuelans.

Initially I wasn’t too fond of them but that’s because I was comparing them to locals. And the difference is night and day with Ecuadorians being much simpler and friendlier (IMO), and Venezuelans having big-city mentalities. But that’s just who they are, so after becoming accustomed to their demeanor I realized they are okay. Also poor or not, Venezuelans are not simple people, and perhaps because only 5 or so years ago Venezuela was the richest country in South America.

But yeah they are everywhere; they are resourceful, creative, and friendly in their own way.
SawMan
#11

vsimple wrote:

Here is an update on Venezuelans in Ecuador. Many continue to arrive but the overwhelming majority leave. Where do they go? Some to Europe, a lot to other South American countries, Peru, Chile and Uruguay are quite popular. Peru I believe granted temporary residency  to many of them lately. The ones that remain work in all sectors and some have opened their own businesses catering to locals and other Venezuelans.

Initially I wasn’t too fond of them but that’s because I was comparing them to locals. And the difference is night and day with Ecuadorians being much simpler and friendlier (IMO), and Venezuelans having big-city mentalities. But that’s just who they are, so after becoming accustomed to their demeanor I realized they are okay. Also poor or not, Venezuelans are not simple people, and perhaps because only 5 or so years ago Venezuela was the richest country in South America.

But yeah they are everywhere; they are resourceful, creative, and friendly in their own way.


Years ago when hanging around Panama more I saw the well-dressed Venezuelan lawyers (?) opening bank accounts in Panama City.  (Good planning, BTW)  They were a bit "abrupt" and pushy (my impressions confirmed by my Panamanian friends).   But, even then there seemed to be a sense of urgency way back then.  Then again, I sympathize with anyone on any kind of schedule dealing with Panamanian workers day in and day out!  LOL

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vsimple
#12
What I like about some Venezuelans is that they are enterprising. One has been here a year and is starting a second business. Small scale businesses but nevertheless that is quite impressive. With regards to "abrupt" definitely, and some are also demanding  I asked one friend why she left her boyfriend and she replied along the lines of lo que pasa es que es muy lento en todo y a mí me gusta rápido ahora ( the dude is slow in everything and I like it fast now [achieving things]). Ajajaja this is different from the general mindset of Ecuadorians who are more patient IMO.
Zeros
#13
I have a friend from Venezuela that just moved to Ecuador, Quito. No one wants to hire her because she is Venezuelan. Does anyone have any tips? She is not good with English and because she just arrived she doesn't have her papers in order yet. As in no visa and her country denied to give her a passport, all she was able to get was an extension of her current passport. She had to give up college because of the difficulties in Venezuela. Did what anyone else did and moved from there.. She lives with her sister now but really needs a job and some pro tips on how to continue there.

Seriously any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Zeros.
mugtech
#14

vsimple wrote:

What I like about some Venezuelans is that they are enterprising. One has been here a year and is starting a second business. Small scale businesses but nevertheless that is quite impressive. With regards to "abrupt" definitely, and some are also demanding  I asked one friend why she left her boyfriend and she replied along the lines of lo que pasa es que es muy lento en todo y a mí me gusta rápido ahora ( the dude is slow in everything and I like it fast now [achieving things]). Ajajaja this is different from the general mindset of Ecuadorians who are more patient IMO.


Wait until tomorrow vs I wanted it yesterday is always a difficult combination.

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vsimple
#15

Zeros wrote:

I have a friend from Venezuela that just moved to Ecuador, Quito. No one wants to hire her because she is Venezuelan. Does anyone have any tips? She is not good with English and because she just arrived she doesn't have her papers in order yet. As in no visa and her country denied to give her a passport, all she was able to get was an extension of her current passport. She had to give up college because of the difficulties in Venezuela. Did what anyone else did and moved from there.. She lives with her sister now but really needs a job and some pro tips on how to continue there.

Seriously any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Zeros.


Employers are reluctant to hire a Venezuelan without at least a Unasur visa because of the huge supply of workers. It’s a straightforward visa for Venezuelans to get so she should at least apply for that.

Previously it was easy enough for them to find jobs even if underpaid but the reality is there are too many of them here.  She may very well have to resort to selling things on the street but may very well find out the fierce competition there as well and it’s certainly not something that anyone can do.

Peru is an option, a Venezuelan I know moved there  and said it's easier to find work and the people are nicer.

Zeros
#16
I'll let her know of that Unasur visa. To be honest hard or not she won't be able to move again. The trip from Venezuela to Ecuador was difficult enough :(

I can help her with a few hundreds $ if she would ever ask (never does even when I offered to) but that's not a life to live, she just needs a small job to get her through day to day and be able to make her work visa and go back to school...

Excuse my language, but some (not all) Ecuadorians seem quite racists, at least in the area she lives.

She went for a job interview where she took blood samples and other samples from a patient and prepared these to be evaluated by a specialist. But she was not allowed to work because they said she's a foreigner...
vsimple
#17
In the same manner one shouldn't judge Venezuelans based on their difficult circumstances it is also unfair to judge Ecuadorians based on a huge influx Venezuelans. It’s a difficult time for everyone but Ecuador has a humane society as is evidenced by the ease at which Venezuelans are able to 1.) obtain a visa 2.) get a job as there as thousands upon thousands with jobs.

Also understand that Venezuelans are very shrewd and they know everything about visas, work and residency here. I know this for a fact because I know Venezuelans in Quito. I know how they organize by way of social media with other Venezuelans who migrated here whether through family, friends or fellow students from Venezuelan universities.
cccmedia
#18

Zeros wrote:

she won't be able to move again. The trip from Venezuela to Ecuador was difficult enough :(


Dear Zeros,

Welcome to the Ecuador forum.

Your friend is up against too much competition in Ecuador.  The economy of Ecuador has been a mess for years.  A few days ago, I saw thousands of refugees lined up in a long queue at the Ecuadorian immigration building at the Ecuador-Colombia border -- where a police officer told me it was mostly Venezuelans.  Venezuelan refugees have been flooding into Ecuador and Colombia for months by the hundreds of thousands.

If your friend's attitude is as you described -- "she won't be able to move again.  The trip from Venezuela to Ecuador was difficult enough" -- that way of thinking doesn't cut it.


If she's able-bodied and young enough to work full-time and they're hiring Venezolanos in Lima, Peru .. she needs to fly or take buses to Lima. 

If she needs a little time to accept the facts and move past the denial-stage, so be it.

Peru is a peaceful country with a lot going for it.  The money you offered her is enough to get her there in style.

cccmedia near the Ecuador-Colombia border across from Tulcán, Ecuador

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vsimple
#19
The Venezuelan situation is more serious than I have thought. My neighborhood has so many of them that they seem to outnumber the locals. I believe some live in my area especially the well-off, and we have to keep in mind that some of them have money (middle class, upper class). And as a matter of fact one of the first people that I met here was a Venezuelan executive neighbor and his wife. But anyhow there are just so many of them, and they seem to be increasing by the week.

A lot of them are street peddlers too, and to exasperate the situation it seems like almost all the waiters and waitresses are Venezuelans too. The other day an Ecuadorian was telling me in his neighborhood that almuerzo restaurant owners preferred hiring Venezuelans because an Ecuadorian would earn $15 for that shift, but Venezuelans settle for $5.

Let's hope that the situation in Venezuela improves because that is the only solution – them going back. Although it's probably doubtful as some Venezuelans say their country will end up like Cuba. I don't know about that.

I have nothing against Venezuelans, two of my language partners are Venezuelans, and I'm learning a lot of Spanish and culture, and they have definitely elevated my South America astuteness.

And it seems like Venezuelans prefer Quito, and if a resident from Guayaquil can give us some info about whether there are many of them down there then it would be much appreciated.

I think what makes Ecuador an attractive destination in general is that it is relatively short or a 3 day bus ride (different buses same company) from a Venezuelan border to the capital, and relatively cheap as a ticket costs $100. Also with the greenback being the local currency that in itself is appealing because of the exchange rate. Although some complain they lose 20% because of unfavorable rates when sending money home.
lebowski888
#20
I was in Guayaquil for the last month. My Ecuadorian girlfriend lives there. Anecdotally: At most restaurants we visited, my girlfriend would remark that the accent sounded Venezuelan to her (my Spanish isn't developed enough to detect accents). Both of the Uber trips we took, our drivers told us they were from Caracas. I saw a new Venezuelan arepa shop under construction. I saw a few Venezuelan flags draped across tiendas and apartment buildings.

According to the Wikipedia article about the "Bolivarian diaspora", By 2018, about 4 million Venezuelans – more than 10% of the Latin American country's population – had emigrated from Venezuela following the Bolivarian Revolution.
vsimple
#21
So as of yesterday Chile requires Venezuelans to have a visa prior to entering the country. That's tough because that was one country that they desired migrating to because of it's economy. What makes matters worse for them is that Venezuelans who are currently in the country will need to leave and apply for a visa from outside of Chile.  One of the possible ramifications is that more will come here.
Susan_in_Ecuador
#22
I had a very moving experience with my new friends from Venezuela here. 

I was singing at a restaurant owned by a young group of refugees and as a thank you I included as my finale a piece that I knew to be a classic Venezuelan song. What I didn't know was just how important that song was.  Think of someone singing America the Beautiful if you were a refugee from the USA and never knew if you were going back and what the future might bring.

So I sang Alma Llanera...

It was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my singing career. Everyone froze as they realized what song I was about to sing and between cheers and tears and a lot of live streaming we all made it to the end.

My heart hurts for my friends who have left family and friends behind to eke out a living.  Many have lost dear ones, loved ones, to lack of medicine and lack of food and riots.  It is a very sad situation.
vsimple
#23
Carchi, an Ecuadorian province that borders Colombia, declared a state of emergency today because of the hordes of Venezuelans that are crossing the border via Rumichaca.

Some situations one can say okay... the worst will come and pass, but not in this seemingly never-ending crisis.
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M
#24
Thank you for the response to our post. The conditions for so many in our world only serve to cause embarrassment calling myself human.Having studied history and culture for over 50 years, I see no change in the human condition. But, hey, I got Netflix, Facebook, good wife, dogs who love me, food in my frige, and my body hasn't quit yet. I read about six legged cats and new video games next to articles about starvation, military murder, child slavery, and talk of trillions of dollars owned by one guy. One can only be entertained or go mad with rage. Venezuela is just another piece of the new world order structure. A young Venezuelan doctor is cooking in the kitchen of one of our restaurants. This is nothing new, but it is real tragedy, and as criminal as any atrocity. The society that educated him with hundreds of years of experience and science has robbed him of his profession  and all those he should be treating . But, hey, he makes a great burrito. Sorry for the rant , I'm just another old bag of wind.
cccmedia
#25

MikeJosha wrote:

But, hey, I got Netflix, Facebook, good wife, dogs who love me, food in my fridge, and my body hasn't quit yet....

Sorry for the rant , I'm just another old bag of wind.


Colombia inaugurated a new president this week who met with Ecuador's president and said he (the Colombian) wants to add security measures to the troubled border area.

This sparked fears of a border closure .. and has prompted Ecuador to issue a state-of-emergency declaration for the border area.  With 4,200 Venezuelans seeking to cross into Ecuador daily, an Ecuadorian ministry official calls the situation unsustainable. 

Doctors and social workers are being sent in to assist the most vulnerable Venezuelans at Rumichaca and possibly other border sites.  Large numbers of Venezuelans are reported living in unsanitary conditions near the border crossing.

source:  www.cuencahighlife.com

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vsimple
#26
To better understand the extent of migration of Venezuelans these charts are quite telling. In the fist 7 months of 2018 more Venezuleans entered Ecuador than 2016 and 2017 combined.

And I do mean much more. and the only consolation is that most of them eventually move on.

These numbers definitely coincide with Venezuelans on the streets. In my neighborhood the number of informal street vendors has increased considerably. A lot more this year, and one dude that sells chocolate comes to mind, now there are about 3 or 4 other Venezuelans that have joined him on his little spot of the street. It's crazy, and talking to some Venezuelans, they manage to send 20 or 30 dollars a month back home.

Some are doing quite okay but the desperation seems to be growing.
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vsimple
#27
Venezuelans will be required to have a valid passport in order to enter Ecuador, beginning August 18. The reason is primarily for security reasons, according to officials. Previously they were allowed to enter with only their cédula.

Social media is ablaze with many Ecuadorians supporting this measure with some requesting stronger measures like visas. Some Venezuelans are saying that this amounts to no-entry because it’s difficult to obtain a passport in Venezuela.

Ecuador is a caring society, but the economic situation is difficult with many Ecuadorians being underemployed so this was a necessary move.
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vsimple
#28
The recent developments concerning Venezuelan migrants is actually complex, and it’s impacting the entire region. Peru has followed suit and will only allow entry to Venezuelans who have passports from August 25 onwards. Colombia meanwhile is saying – hey, we don’t want these people getting stuck on our border with Ecuador, especially when half of them don’t have passports.

I think everyone has come to the realization that there are just too many Venezuelans. So many in fact, that they are not only putting a strain on public services but so much strain that they can very well collapse public services. This was why one Brazilian judge wanted to close the northern border with Venezuela.
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N
#29
Unfortunately as more close the borders to Venezuelans, they end up being a Colombian only problem. If they would be more evenly distributed through SA it wouldn't put such a burden on just one or two countries. I am near Bogota Colombia and I see Venezuelans all the time.  Because the majority are in Colombia it has overwhelmed the already strained and inadequate public services system. Many are living on the streets  and I just saw one makeshift tent community under a large overpass the other day. It's a very sad situation. I encourage all that can, to help  whoever they can.  You can easily see many are very thin. I will rarely give money to people on the street but almost daily give food to those I see in need. It would be nice to find a group of expats that could pool some resources and open a soup kitchen to help with some basic  nutrition.

If the UN wanted to actually be helpful, they would be contacting every country in SA to broker agreements to divide up the amount of immigrants to more evenly disperse them to all countries.
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cccmedia
#30
The Ecuador ban on refugees without passports went into effect this past weekend.  The Peru ban takes effect late this week.

Ecuador has relaxed the ban, allowing family members of Venezuelan passport-holders to enter Ecuador.

According to the Ecuadorian government, there are 29 official crossings between Ecuador and Colombia.  Rumichaca -- between Ipiales, Colombia, and Tulcán, Ecuador -- is the best known and best-guarded crossing.  Dozens of Venezuelans running in packs entered Ecuador at Rumichaca on Sunday .. with border officials allowing it.

Some of the many border crossings are not manned full-time.  Venezuelans have been taking advantage of this fact in order to cross into Ecuador in violation of the new passport requirement.  Some thought they would be able to enter Ecuador legally when they left Venezuela by showing their Mercosur regional ID, only to have Ecuador's passport requirement imposed when they were en route through Colombia.

Although many Venezuelans headed for Peru may be making it into Ecuador, they may face stiff resistance in northern Peru.  Seeking to reunite with family members in Peru, they may be denied entry to the country and/or fined at the Peruvian border without having the money to pay the fines.

Sources:  Associated Press and Reuters,
                   as posted on the Cuenca Highlife website.

Note:  The Cuenca Highlife posting is an excellent compilation of current events near the Colombia-Ecuador border, including quotes from interviews with Venezuelans commenting on their experiences.  It is highly recommended to click on www.cuencahighlife.com .. where the story is currently the lead article on the welcome page.
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cccmedia
#31
Venezuelans are legally entering Ecuador from Colombia once again.

A judge in the Ecuadorian capital, Judith Naranjo, has ruled that the Interior Ministry of Ecuador does not have the right to discriminate against Venezuelans by requiring passports.

The ministry has 45 days to appeal the ruling.

Meanwhile, Ecuador has imposed another strict rule, ordering entering Venezuelans to show a certificate from a regional authority proving that their regional or Mercosur ID cards are valid.

That rule may be challenged as well.

Source:  www.cuencahighlife.com
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cccmedia
#32
Venezuelan beggars and street vendors have been replacing Ecuadorians on the streets of Quito this year, writes Russian Expat Liliya Bykova.

Liliya is a long-time property owner in the capital's Centro Histórico and a keen observer of changes in daily living in Quito.

She says the Vens are easy to spot -- they are much larger than Ecuadorians.  They have a menacing look to them, she says.

---

Liliya recommends this strategy if a large Venezuelan approaches you...

Do not give eye contact.  Do not say 'no, gracias'.  Continue on your way without giving an opening for a confrontation over your tacit refusal to give money or food to such strangers.

source:  Liliya's dayinquito.blogspot.com
vsimple
#33
Earlier this month I went to the north end of the city to buy carton boxes - $0.30 a pound if anyone is interested. Anyway, this area is a wholesale/industrial zone with many warehouses and small factories.

What do I see at one intersection while looking for the wholesaler?

Young Venezuelans! I mean this is in the middle of nowhere. Yet there they were. But wait, that’s not what caught my attention.

They had a commercially made plastic sign stating they were Venezuelans and in need of help. I’m talking about the same type of plastic used for storefront signage. I guess they were tired of carrying cardboards with the same message as the rain can ruin them.

I don’t know how successful they are at begging for money but a sign like that seems ungenuine.
dumluk
#34
Any numbers on how many Venezuelans are currently stuck in Ecuador? Whats the unemployment rate in Ecuador now? Can the Ecuadorian economy absorb all these people? Imet quite a few Venezuelans in Olon above Montañita and they were all looking for work or already had found something, for example helping out in the hostals, etc.......Some good looking ladies, generally very nice and well behaved. No problems whatsoever from what i could see.......Here in Colombia, you cant turn around without bumping into a Venezulano.........its overkill....the Colombians are of mixed emotions about them.....Some of them are old enuff and wise enuff to remember when the situation was the reverse of today, and 5.6 million Colombians had to seek refuge in rich prosperous Venezuela........and others just wish they would all go home........Have yet to meet one who speaks highly of Maduro....haha.........I always ask em, whos at fault here? Is it the U.S. sanctions and CIA covert subversion or is it simply due to local corruption and mismanagement.......They all say the same thing.........Its due to mismanagement by Maduro and his goon squad........who feasts on filet migon and fine wines and Cuban cigars in Belgium while his own people are killing zoo animals..........***
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vsimple
#35

dumluk wrote:

Any numbers on how many Venezuelans are currently stuck in Ecuador? Whats the unemployment rate in Ecuador now? Can the Ecuadorian economy absorb all these people?.


I've seen numbers that vary between 250,000-300,000 Venezuelans in Ecuador. As for the employment rate, it's statistically low but underemployment is high. In Quito many of Venezuelans are peddling things on the streets. There are some of them that do have money though. My neighbors are a good example. They are three generations living in the same house and none of them of seemingly go to work. They're probably living off savings or from remittances.

vsimple
#36
The UN recently reported that so far 3 million Venezuelans have left their country. 2.4 million migrated to The Caribbean and Latin America, the remaining 600,000 are scattered elsewhere throughout the world.

Here’s the breakdown of where many of them migrated to:

1+ million Colombia
500,000 Peru
220,000+ Ecuador
130,000 Argentina
100,000 Chile
Brazil 85,000
Panama 94,000

Let's use this post as a reference over the coming years, when I guess (sigh) even more of them will migrate.
vsimple
#37
Residents of Quito should be pleased to know that the area outside Carcelén bus station is now free of Venezuelan migrants. Here’s what happened over the past couple of years. Initially, Venezuelans would arrive from the border and upon arriving at Carcelén, they made it home. After some time they increased in numbers. The bus station authorities then asked them to leave for many reasons including hygiene which was affecting other passengers.

So, these ingenious Venezuelans decided to make camp outside the bus station. And I do mean that literally, they setup tents and even started using gas canisters to cook food. All of that finally ended today as authorities asked them to move out because of many reasons including hygiene and safety.

Some groups including families were relocated to more proper accommodation. I think what's important now is for some kind of permanent police presence to be located there so newcomers don't start to make camp there as well.

One of the appeals of camping there is that Ecuadorians would go there and offer them food and other support, like blankets. But camping there is inappropriate because of hygiene, and security. It's also illegal to make camp outside a busy bus station.
vsimple
#38
Ecuador will create brigades to deal with Venezuelans on the streets, workplace and the border. A special entry permit for Venezuelan citizens is also being considered. This news came in the aftermath of a heinous murder of a pregnant woman in Ibarra by her Venezuelan boyfriend.

There aren’t any specific details yet about the brigades, but it sounds militaristic.

Source:El Comercio newspaper.
vsimple
#39
As of today, Venezuelans who want to enter Ecuador must present an apostilled judicial certificate. This is a certificate that states whether or not someone has a criminal history. This has been long overdue because the quality of migrants coming to Ecuador has changed tremendously, especially over the past year or so. There is an influx of young people who do nothing but beg for money at street corners. Before it was families, now it’s young people holding up signs stating they have a baby and are hungry. This is a disastrous recipe when there are desperate young people who don’t have a means to sustenance or are unwillingly to work hard to put food on the table.

Ecuador is a small country, and people are fed up. There is also a lot of pressure on authorities to do something about problems associated with Venezuelan migration. This new requirement is a step in the right direction and if anyone is confused about the intention - it means criminals are not welcome.

Source: El Telégrafo newspaper.
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vsimple
#40
OK, a little update on the judicial certificate required of Venezuelan migrants to enter Ecuador that I stated in the last post. It has been in effect since January 26, 2019. This is good news because the courts did not block it like they did previous attempts. Also, Ecuador does not require this document for families, and they can freely enter the country.

Source: El Comercio newspaper

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Ecuador, as a fast-developing nation, has laws that are constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: the ongoing ...
Opening a bank account in Ecuador
A few years back, an expat would just breeze into an Ecuadorian bank, flash their passport and a bank account ...
Phones and Internet in Ecuador
Retirement in Ecuador
For the past decade or so, Ecuador has moved between the number one and number two spots in polls that rank ...