Lima, Peru – "I feel I have truly flourished. When I arrived in this country, the challenges were overwhelming, but the benefits have been priceless,” says Karelys, a Venezuelan now residing in Peru, as she reflected on her 14 years in the beauty industry. “Now I can provide stability for my family and a business that I am proud of.”
Karelys’ life took a significant turn when she crossed the border from Ecuador to Peru in 2019. Leaving behind her career as a skilled stylist in her home country, Venezuela, she ventured into the unknown that would lead her to new opportunities and challenges.
Karelys teamed up with Yerly, a Peruvian podiatrist, and found strength in solidarity. Speaking over the din of their bustling beauty store in a suburb of the Peruvian capital, Yerly proudly explains their cooperation: "We support each other and are determined to give back.”
Karelys during a nail treatment. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Yerly is a Peruvian podiatrist who found strength in solidarity after teaming up with her colleague Karelys. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Karelys posing in front of her beauty services business. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Close up of nail treatment. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
By joining forces, they are not only making a living, but also prospering, having formed a profitable business that offers a range of beauty treatments, such as hair styling, nail care, and podiatry.
In Lima, Karelys found hope through Peru's temporary regularization programme for Venezuelans. She received a short-term visa that enabled her to return to her loved ones and follow her dreams.
However, for every success story like Karelys’ and Yerly's, many others face uncertainty. Around half of Peru's 1.5 million Venezuelan residents do not have legal status, which restricts their ability to establish a stable future. Many view Peru as a transit country on the way to Chile and Argentina, further complicating their integration process.
Regular migratory status transforms lives
Peru has eased the process for regularizing the migratory status of Venezuelans, giving them access to rights and social services. In 2023, the Peruvian government introduced a Temporary Stay Permit for Venezuelans with irregular migratory status, granting them the right to work. Over 120,000 Venezuelans benefited from this programme, and thousands more are in the process of obtaining the permit, which facilitates much-needed access to health care, education, bank accounts, and other public services.
Venezuelan migrants wait at a migration office in Lima. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Rosa displays her temporary residence visa in Peru, which grants her access to health care, education and other public services. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Peruvian immigration officials during biometric identification. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Banner showing the benefits of temporary residence. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively supporting the Peruvian government in this endeavour, providing expertise, resources, and a strong presence to improve the process and ensure the inclusion of all migrants.
“Migration flows can benefit migrants and host communities,” says Jorge Baca, IOM Chief of Mission in Peru. “Public policies promoting regularization and social integration facilitate access to services and human rights, contributing to security and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals increasing the full potential and positive impact of migration.”
Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean recognize the potential of Venezuelan migrants. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and other countries are working to fully integrate them, providing protection and opportunities for development. They are expediting documentation processes and seeking solutions to regularize and protect the Venezuelan population, using various tools within their national laws and participating in regional forums, such as the Quito Process to facilitate a multi-country response.
IOM providing information on the temporary regularization process to Venezuelans. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
The bustling streets of Lima, Peru. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Maria got her temporary visa in Peru with IOM’s support. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Civil society organizations provide support to Venezuelans during their regularization process. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
A turn for the better
In the busy streets of Lima, Venezuelan migrants and refugees stand out among the sea of vendors, selling unique delicacies like pastries and arepas, symbols of their homeland’s rich culinary heritage.
Among them is Carlos, a 24-year-old from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, who traveled on foot and hitchhiked his way to Lima during a 20-day journey. Forced to abandon his studies in philosophy due to the worsening economic situation back home, Carlos found himself at a crossroads. “It was either studying or eating, and I chose to eat,” he explains. He currently sells ice cream and sandwiches in a street cart.
Carlos, 24, is a street vendor in Lima. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
Aerial shot of Lima town centre. Photo: IOM/Gema Cortes
With over 7.7 million Venezuelans leaving their homeland in recent years, and more than 6.5 million residing in Latin America and the Caribbean, temporary regularization schemes offer a ray of hope. These initiatives empower migrants and refugees, like Carlos, to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.
“We are ready to give back,” Carlos says, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Peru has given us a chance, and we are determined to make the most of it.”
This story was written by Gema Cortés, IOM Media and Communications Unit, Office of the Special Envoy for the Regional Response to the Venezuelan Situation.
