IMPACT, through its initiative REACH, published an analysis of the socioeconomic vulnerability of the Venezuelan refugee and migrant population seeking to stay in Colombia, based on Grupo Interagencial sobre Flujos Migratorios Mixtos seventh round of the Needs Assessment and in partnership with the Cash Working Group (CWG). It concluded that more than half of the households interviewed were experiencing socio-economic vulnerability:
- Despite 80% Venezuelan refugees and migrants interviewed reporting work or economic activity as their main source of income, 92% of households reported their income as below the cost of the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB).
- 43% of the surveyed households reported that their income was insufficient to cover the costs of the MEB for a 3-person household.
- More than half of respondents reported facing financial barriers to securing food, shelter, water, sanitation & hygiene, and healthcare. 79% of respondents reported that they faced financial stress obtaining food.
- 86% of households reported using negative coping mechanisms such as borrowing or spending their savings to cover basic needs. Households made use of crisis and stress coping mechanisms such as: reducing spending on health, education and clothing and 20% reported doing something they never intended to do and prefer not to mention.
This assessment makes it clear that the migrant and refugee population still faces challenges in meeting their financial needs in Colombia, despite having obtained sources of income. Their economic precarity casts doubt on the formality and quality of work reported. Venezuelan refugees and migrants are experiencing a low level of socio-economic integration meaning they struggle to access dignified and well-paid employment.
These results highlight the need for complementary programming to support refugees and migrants to better integrate socio-economically and improve their livelihoods.
For a comprehensive understanding of the situation and more detailed insights, read the full report here.
