Medellín, the capital of the Antioquia department, has been identified as the Colombian city with the highest number of Venezuelan migrants, hosting 240,278 individuals, which accounts for 10% of its population, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Elisa Carlaccini, head of the UNHCR sub-office for the northwestern region, highlighted that Medellín ranks first in the country in terms of the proportion of migrants, making it a key destination for those fleeing Venezuela.
The city’s appeal lies in its opportunities for inclusion across all societal sectors, making it an attractive place for migrants seeking to rebuild their lives. Antioquia, the department where Medellín is located, ranks second nationally, with 393,392 refugees and migrants. However, this significant influx has raised concerns about potential xenophobia, which authorities aim to address by promoting positive perceptions of migrants. Carlaccini stressed the importance of avoiding xenophobic stereotypes, emphasizing that migrants view Colombia as a welcoming country offering opportunities to restart their lives. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports this, noting that migration fosters development and provides empirical evidence of how it can promote social and economic growth in host countries.
As of January 2024, Colombia hosts the largest number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, totaling over 2.8 million people.