The UN International Organization for Migration says about 7.7 million Venezuelans around 20% of the population have left the country since 2014.
Venezuelan migrants in many countries celebrated on Saturday after the US-led removal of President Nicolas Maduro, whose time in power coincided with one of the world’s largest migration movements, Reuters reported.
People gathered in cities across Latin America and in Spain, where Venezuelans said they were happy about Maduro’s capture and were thinking about what may come next.
“We are free. We are all happy that the dictatorship has fallen and that we have a free country,” Khaty Yanez told Reuters in Santiago, where she has lived in Chile for seven years.
“After so many years, after so many struggles, after so much work, today is the day. Today is the day of freedom,” Jose Gregorio said.
The UN International Organization for Migration says about 7.7 million Venezuelans around 20% of the population have left the country since 2014, mainly because they could not afford food or wanted work abroad.
Colombia has taken in the largest number, with about 2.8 million Venezuelans, followed by 1.7 million in Peru, according to the R4V regional support platform.
In Lima, Venezuelans gathered with flags to mark Maduro’s fall. Milagros Ortega, whose parents remain in Venezuela, said she hoped to return. “Knowing that my dad was alive to see the fall of Nicolas Maduro is very emotional. I would like to see his face,” she said.
Peruvian President Jose Jeri said on X that Peru would help Venezuelans return home, no matter their migration status.
In Quito, Ecuador, Cynthia Diaz said: “For those of us living in exile, it is an immense joy. Venezuelans, sooner rather than later, will return … to a free Venezuela.”
In Spain, large crowds met in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol and applauded while watching US President Donald Trump speak at a live press conference. Venezuelans later gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“It is what we have always hoped for,” Yeison Urdaneta said. “Argentina has sheltered us and treats us well. I am thankful, but I am Venezuelan.”
SPECULATION ABOUT THE FUTURE
After the celebrations, some Venezuelans abroad said they were hopeful but also unsure about what may happen next. Andres Losada, who has lived in Spain for three years, said he felt both concern and hope about events in Caracas. “Although what people are going through in Caracas is tough, I believe there is a light that will lead us to freedom,” he said.
Maria Fernanda Monsilva, who joined a march in Quito, said Venezuela was “not yet completely free” and hoped opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez would be able to take power.“Many of us who are abroad want to return,” she said. “This is the first step in a series.”
Agustin Rodriguez, vice president of a Venezuelan cultural group in Spain, told a local TV station he was worried about the strikes but said they “may be necessary to find a way forward for the country.”
Trump said on Saturday that the United States would take control of Venezuela during a transition period, and would deploy US forces if needed, until there is a “safe, proper and judicious transition,” Reuters reported.
