By: “Cali: How Are We Doing?” (Cali Cómo Vamos)
Throughout its history, the city of Cali has received many immigrants: 40% of Cali’s inhabitants are from other municipalities, and an additional 6% come from other countries. One of the most challenging waves of immigration has been that of Venezuela. In 2023, 124,502 Venezuelans lived in Cali: 64,903 women and 58,599 men. This group is much younger than non-migrants and represents 5% of the city’s population.
There are two major reasons why it is important to strengthen this group’s socioeconomic inclusion. According to analyses conducted by “Cali: How Are We Doing?” (Cali Cómo Vamos), the Santo Domingo Foundation and CUSO International, the first is related to the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG), and its clear intention, known as “no one left behind”. This implies that development efforts must include those groups whose development is lagging. Half of Cali’s Venezuelan immigrants are monetarily poor, double the municipal average.
Secondly, according to Colombia’s National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), 82% of immigrants over 15 years of age intend to remain in Colombia. They reside in the nation’s major cities. This scenario requires moving from relief aid and assistance toward a process of socioeconomic integration. In 2023, this group’s access to health services was ten times lower than that of the non-migrant population. They also experience greater overcrowding and lower rates of home ownership, among other indicators.
In the labor market, Venezuelan immigrants have 74% lower salaries, higher labor informality and greater female unemployment.
Sources: Integral Home Census DANE, CUSO International, Santo Domingo Foundation and CUSO CVC Report.