Integration Sector: Background Notes – Caribbean October 2023 … – ReliefWeb

Situation, Needs, and Challenges- Sub-regional Overview

Caribbean sub-regional countries continue to receive and host thousands of Venezuelans, as well as other refugee and migrant groups, (1) causing concern over the perceived strain on the resources of host countries. The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaao the largest refugees and migrants per capita globally; the Dominican Republic hosts the largest absolute number of Venezuelans in the Caribbean with 124,000 in the country in 2023, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago host Indigenous populations and other refugees and migrants from Venezuela. All sub-regional countries are concerned about their capacity to accommodate and provide for these refugee and migrant populations. In 2023, socio-economic integration was identified by R4V partners as the second most significant need for refugees and migrants from Venezuela after protection. In 2023, it is estimated that some 70% (148.3K) of people will need integration support across the Caribbean. (2,3) In the Caribbean, refugees and migrants from Venezuela face several obstacles to socio-economic integration including limited employment opportunities, language barriers, limited recognition of prior studies and professional titles, restricted access to higher education, discrimination, and xenophobia. (4) Lack of access to regular status and documentation continues to be reported as the primary concerns.

(1) UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago has registered a total of 42 nationalities within their database as of 2023. (2) Breakdown of persons in need across the Caribbean sub-regional countries: 52% (8918) in Aruba, 52% (7322) in Curacao, 72% (94347) in the Dominican Republic, 53% (11532) in Guyana; and 72% (26113) in Trinidad and Tobago (3) Refugee and Migrant Needs Analysis https://rmrp.r4v.info (4) Refugee and Migrants Needs Analysis (RMNA) Caribbean Chapter 2023. https://www.r4v.info/en/document/rmna-2023-needs-analysis

Read the original here:

Integration Sector: Background Notes - Caribbean October 2023 ... - ReliefWeb