Keputusan Pemerintah Kolombia untuk Menerima Pengungsi Venezuela

Abstract

The multidimensional crisis in Venezuela has triggered a large-scale refugee flow to countries in the Latin American region, with Colombia emerging as the principal host country. This situation has placed the Colombian government in a complex policy environment. This study aims to analyze the decision of the Colombian government to accept Venezuelan refugees during the period 2017–2021 through the implementation of the Permiso Especial de Permanencia (PEP) policy. This research employs a qualitative method with descriptive analysis and utilizes decision-making theory as its analytical framework. The findings indicate that the Colombian government’s decision was the result of a rational consideration influenced by decision-maker factors, economic and military capabilities, and the international context. Decision-maker factors include a commitment to humanitarian values and the need for controlled domestic management, while economic and military capability factors involve efforts to reduce economic and security burdens in managing the refugee influx. Meanwhile, international context factors encompass pressure from international organizations and the interest in maintaining Colombia’s position and image in the international arena. The decision to accept refugees was selected by Colombian’s Government as a policy alternative that maximizes administrative, social, and diplomatic benefits while minimizing potential social, economic, and security risks arising from Venezuelan refugees.