South American migration

The Immigrant Times reporting from South America

> Ecuador's economy benefits from migrants

> Chile welcomes first group of refugees from Gaza

> Colombia and Ecuador argue about return of prisoners

With close to half a million Venezuelan nationals, Ecuador hosts the third-largest Venezuelan migrant population worldwide. (Photo: IOM/Gema Cortés)

ECUADOR

Venezuelan migrants contribute $900 million annually to Ecuador’s economy

October 2025: Ecuadorian Households with Venezuelan members contribute an estimated US$900 million annually to the country’s economy through the consumption of goods and services, according to a new study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The findings highlight the significant role of migrants in supporting economic growth and development across Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The evidence is clear: when migrants have access to rights and opportunities, they contribute substantially to the societies that host them,” said Kristina Mejo, IOM Ecuador Chief of Mission. “Ensuring regular status and fair access to the labour market is a catalyst for growth and an investment that generates benefits for all: migrant families, host communities, and the economy as a whole.

Ecuador currently hosts approximately 441,000 of the 6.9 million Venezuelans living in Latin America and the Caribbean. This indicates considerable opportunities to further harness migration’s potential for economic growth in both the country and the region.

The study also estimates that Venezuelan households pay nearly $47 million in taxes annually. These contributions were facilitated by public policies implemented by the Government of Ecuador, which improved documentation processes for Venezuelans and expanded access to formal employment, social security, financial services, and the recognition of academic degrees.

Venezuelans in Ecuador constitute a young and productive population: more than 70 per cent are of working age (18–39 years old) and have educational levels comparable to Ecuadorians. However, the study reveals that about 66 per cent of Venezuelans are employed informally despite holding professional degrees, and only 30 per cent work in their field of expertise. This restricts their full potential and limits integration into the productive sector. The barriers are even greater for women: nearly 69 per cent are in informal jobs and earn less than the minimum monthly wage.

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Further reading: Immigrantion in South America ||

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CHILE / GAZA

Chile welcomes the first group of refugees from Gaza; Paraguay and Uruguay contemplate similar steps

September 2025: In an act of humanitarian diplomacy, Chile has welcomed a group of Palestinian refugees from Gaza, stressing the country’s support for international humanitarian initiatives. The arrival of 68 individuals, 36 of whom are children and adolescents, signals both a moral stance and a logistical feat, as Chile becomes one of the first countries in the region to offer a haven to civilians fleeing the war-torn enclave.

A Chilean government spokesperson said the refugees had close family ties to Chile. “This action is part of our country's firm commitment to international humanitarian law and was made possible thanks to a coordinated effort by the government with the collaboration of various international organisations.”

The operation, led by Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by intelligence agencies, involved expedited visa waivers, safe conduct passes, and background checks via Interpol. In total, 113 refugees are expected to be resettled, including 76 Palestinians from Gaza, 34 Syrians, and 3 Afghan women.

President Gabriel Boric described the initiative as a response to the “ongoing genocide in Gaza. “We are not neutral in the face of suffering,” the President said, referencing Chile’s deep-rooted Palestinian diaspora and the country’s historical ties to Middle Eastern migration.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian community in Chile, the largest outside the Arab world, welcomed the arrivals as a “deeply humane gesture.” However, they stressed that while they appreciate the humanitarian aid, it does not diminish the Palestinian people's inalienable right to live on their own land. The Community also reaffirmed its rejection of “forced displacement as a policy of occupation.”

Meanwhile, Paraguay has signalled its openness to accepting refugees from Gaza, joining Uruguay in exploring coordinated resettlement efforts. While no arrivals have been confirmed, the regional momentum suggests a growing willingness among Latin American nations to respond to displacement crises beyond their borders.

This shift comes amid mounting international pressure and renewed calls from the United Nations for equitable refugee burden-sharing. For Chile, Paraguay, and potentially other South American countries, the move reflects a broader recalibration of foreign policy, one that blends moral clarity with strategic outreach.

As Latin America steps into a more visible humanitarian role, questions remain about long-term integration, public attitudes, and the sustainability of such efforts. But for the families arriving from Gaza, the gesture is more than symbolic—it is survival.

Sources: Merco Press; Clarin; Sabes

ECUADOR / COLOMBIA

Mass deportation of prisoners causes a rift between Colombia and Ecuador

August 2025: The decision by Ecuador to deport hundreds of Colombian prisoners has sparked a diplomatic row with neighbouring Colombia. The Colombian government called the move a breach of international law and a highly unfriendly act. The Colombian foreign minister emphasised the importance of coordinating such decisions between two neighbouring countries, especially when it concerns the rights of imprisoned citizens.

The Colombian government has long advocated for ensuring prisoners' rights. The issue gained urgency after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced last year his intention to deport foreign prisoners, including Colombians, to reduce overcrowding in Ecuadorian prisons.

In response, the Ecuadorian government rejected the accusations, stating that it had informed Colombia’s embassy in Quito about the start of deportation procedures. Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry also said that all actions are being carried out in cooperation with the national police and stressed that the rights and safety of the deported individuals are being properly ensured. "Ecuador, therefore, rejects claims of mass deportations," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Amilcar Pantoja, the mayor of the Colombian border town of Ipiales, accused the Ecuadorian authorities of sending hundreds of Colombian detainees across the binational bridge without prior official notice. “We simply don’t have the means to handle such numbers of people humanely.”