Unprecedented Surge in Migration: The Impact on Central America and Beyond

In the region of Darien, Panama’s Ministry of Public Security reported that from January 1 to March 31, 2024, a total of 109,069 migrants have crossed. Among the nationalities with the highest number of entries are Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, Haitians and Colombians.

In Honduras, the National Migration Institute recorded that between January and February 2024, a significant increase of 125.6% was seen compared to the same period in 2023. The migrants mostly consist of Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians and Ecuadorians with a smaller percentage coming from other countries.

In Colombia, statistics show that among Venezuelan migrants in the country, 52% are women with the majority falling in the productive age group of 18 to 39 years old. A significant portion of these migrants have been granted Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) which gives them access to essential services such as identification, health education and justice.

Cuba has seen its nationals being returned to the island from various countries in the region through repatriation operations. Between January and March 2024, a total of 276 Cubans were repatriated in just over two dozen operations. Ecuador has reported that about 400 Ecuadorians cross its border irregularly every day with a total of about 17 thousand per month. Many face deportation due to their irregular entry into United States when crossing its border.