Peru announced it is revising its temporary visa program to allow more Venezuelan refugees to live and work legally in the country.
Peru’s National Immigration Superintendence initially granted year-long visas to Venezuelans who had arrived before February, but now it will be granting them to the nearly 8,000 more who have arrived since then, and up to July 31.
Venezuela’s current political and economic situation has noticeably deteriorated over that time, with increasing inflation and violence at the hands of President Nicolás Maduro’s repressive dictatorship. It’s forced many people to find refuge in Colombia, and then to move onto other parts of the continent.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights celebrated Peru’s permit program for leading the charge on providing international assistance to Venezuelan refugees. So far, the program has reportedly helped over 11,000 Venezuelans.
The program will allow Venezuelan nationals to live in Peru, to work and access various public services — including health and education services — as well as to obtain a Unique Taxpayer Registry number that allows them to carry out economic activities subject to taxation. The permits last for a year and are eligible for renewal, according to Minister of the Interior Carlos Basombrío.
To complete the temporary permit process, Venezuelans will have 120 working days, beginning from their arrival in the country, to submit an application online. In addition, they must have legally entered Peru, have no criminal record and receive clearance from Interpol.
Applicants looking for a visa can obtain their online appointment on the Migration website for US $13, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Sources: El Nuevo Herald; Gestión; Publimetro.
