Impacts of COVID-19 on Venezuelan migrants in the Andean corridor

Abstract

Since 2015, about 7.9 million Venezuelans left their country due to political turmoil, socio-economic instability, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Andean Corridor is the most frequented land route in South America. This article explores Venezuelan migrants' experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic on their journeys. Migrants undertake spatial movements and phases of staying, here conceived of as (im)mobilities. The study draws on crises and lifeworld perspectives, and uses participatory qualitative interviews to address individuals' decision-making under changing life conditions. The findings show that the governments' measures during the pandemic had severe impacts on the migrants, leading to forced (im)mobilization, changing mobility patterns, and means of transport. The informalization of (im)mobilities increased the risk of infection, endangered livelihoods, and resulted in greater exposure to insecurity and violence. The study highlights the need for inclusive, nuanced approaches to crises that acknowledge the voices and experiences of marginalized populations like Venezuelan migrants.