Peru is a key destination for vulnerable Venezuelan refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers due in part to the relatively liberal availability of legal status. Peru is the second largest host of Venezuelans after Colombia, with UNHCR estimating close to 635,000 Venezuelans currently in the country. The temporary stay permit, or PTP (Permiso Temporal de Permanencia), which was suspended in 2018, provides Venezuelans the right to work and access public services such as health and education. However, many face challenges navigating the complex and expensive PTP process, and many newly-arrived Venezuelans face serious challenges securing their basic needs. Peru is currently facing the effects of scarce livelihood opportunities in metropolitan areas and Venezuelans who cannot secure their basic needs, as well as those who can no longer find jobs, are moving from Lima to other regions. This scarcity as well as increasing numbers of arrivals, expose Venezuelans to mounting discrimination and xenophobia.
