Experiences and expectations of return migration to Venezuela
Survey in South American countries
This 4Mi infographic explores the experiences, motivations and expectations of Venezuelan refugees and migrants returning to Venezuela from countries across South America. It examines why people are leaving host countries, what is driving their return, the information shaping their decisions and the challenges they expect to face after arriving.
The findings highlight the importance of family connections in return decisions, alongside the effects of discrimination, limited opportunities for regularisation and difficulties securing sustainable livelihoods in host countries. They also reveal concerns about access to income, healthcare and essential services after return.
Discrimination (38%) was the main reason for leaving host countries. Xenophobia against Venezuelan refugees and migrants manifests across the region through insults, harassment, exclusion from the labour market, hypersexualisation and physical violence
Family and friends in Venezuela are both the main motivation for return (83% of all respondents) and the most frequently consulted source of information before travelling (80%), reflecting the centrality of close social networks in migration decision-making.
30% of respondents returned in expectation of political change in Venezuela, and 22% because they perceived security improvements. However, secondary sources and actors in Venezuela indicate that the economic and public services have not improved significantly, which could create a gap between expectations and reality, fuelling new cycles of migration.
Despite the reopening of Venezuelan consulates across the region, procedures such as obtaining identity cards and birth certificates still require physical presence in Venezuela, which explains why 22% return specifically to obtain documentation.
Friends and/or family members in Venezuela were the most frequently consulted source of information regarding the journey and life after return (80%). Only 4% obtained information through NGOs, and less than 1% through international organisations.
69% of all respondents stated plans to stay permanently in Venezuela. Amid uncertainty, the impact of the earthquakes and the country’s economic conditions, people face the possibility of migrating once again.
See also
Venezuelans in the Americas face uncertainty in light of political changes at home and in exile
Forced to return – Venezuelans face harsher borders and shrinking opportunities
MMR 2025
Venezuela after Maduro: mixed migration implications of a sudden regime rupture
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