Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
The enduring crisis in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, marked by political, social, economic, and security challenges, significantly impacts the vulnerable population.

Key statistics
611,273
people were displaced or stateless (or returning from forced displacement) within the country at the end of 2024
8.4 million
Venezuelans were refugees, asylum-seekers or in need of international protection worldwide at the end of 2024
$59.5 million
are needed in 2025 to ensure that operations and programmes in Venezuela are sustained
In 2024, Venezuela’s operational context grew increasingly complex amid heightened insecurity, political polarization, and new protection risks, particularly following the violent aftermath of the 28 July presidential elections. These events deepened social divisions, undermined community cohesion, and intensified fear and mistrust across the country. Simultaneously, access to humanitarian assistance was further restricted, even as protection needs surged.
Despite this deteriorating environment, cross-border movements showed a modest rise in returns. Monitoring by UNHCR-supported waystations along the Colombia–Venezuela border recorded a return-to-exit ratio of 38 to 62%, a three-percentage-point increase compared to 2023. This shift may reflect growing restrictions in host countries, anticipated immigration crackdowns in the United States, and perceptions of economic recovery in Venezuela, which has seen moderate GDP growth for the third consecutive year.
UNHCR’s protection strategy in Venezuela remains anchored in safeguarding the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees, and Venezuelans affected by the crisis. It prioritizes preventing statelessness, supporting sustainable reintegration, and reducing displacement risks by enhancing community resilience and disaster preparedness.
Amid budget cuts, UNHCR made the difficult decision to close Field Offices in Ciudad Guayana, Guasdualito, and Puerto Ayacucho—border areas with Colombia—while reinforcing its presence along other critical routes by opening new Field Units in Santa Elena de Uairén (bordering Brazil) and Carúpano (near the maritime border with Trinidad and Tobago). Resources were reallocated to strengthen responses along strategic border areas.
To sustain protection and assistance efforts, UNHCR deepened its collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners. These joint efforts aim to offer multi-sectoral support across the displacement cycle, enhance community resilience, and expand opportunities for those choosing to stay or return.
Strategy and results
This section provides key information related to the Global Appeal and Global Report.
Strategy
Latest multi-year strategy, outlining key priorities and a comprehensive overview of operational plans as part of the Global Appeal.
Annual Results Report
Latest Annual Results Report highlighting key achievements from the year and published as part of the Global Report.
Population and financial overview
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Use the year selector to access information from previous years.
Populations
Population types
Population types
Note: The "Stateless" category does not include stateless people who are also in other categories, to avoid double counting. The total number of stateless, across all categories, is .
NB: 2025 figures are planning figures.
Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder for years until 2022, UNHCR planning figures (COMPASS) otherwise.
Population by country
Population by country
NB: 2025 figures are planning figures.
Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder for years until 2022, UNHCR planning figures (COMPASS) otherwise.
Population by origin
Population by origin
NB: 2025 figures are planning figures.
Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder for years until 2022, UNHCR planning figures (COMPASS) otherwise.
Financial
Budget and expenditure trend
Budget and expenditure trend
Source: 2025 budget was approved by ExCom in October 2024 while the 2024 budget figures include the latest supplementary appeals and are updated on a monthly basis.
Budget by pillar
Budget by pillar
Budget by objective
Budget by objective
Note: The table presents the budget for this operation broken down at the objective level. Resource allocation at the objective level is subject to change during the course of the year as the operational situation evolves and priorities shift. The current budget, reflected in the bottom line of this table, is updated on a monthly basis and is replaced by the final budget at year-end.
Expenditure by Outcome Area
Expenditure by Outcome Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Source: 2023 budget as approved by the Executive Committee in October 2022.
2022 current budget as approved by the High Commissioner as of October 2022; pending presentation to the ExCom's Standing Committee.
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Source: 2023 budget as approved by the Executive Committee in October 2022.
2022 current budget as approved by the High Commissioner as of October 2022; pending presentation to the ExCom's Standing Committee.
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Source: 2024 budget and 2023 current budget are taken from the budget document approved by UNHCR's Executive Committee in October 2023.
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Source: 2025 budget was approved by ExCom in October 2024 while the 2024 budget figures include the latest supplementary appeals and are updated on a monthly basis.
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Source: 2025 budget was approved by ExCom in October 2024 while the 2024 budget figures include the latest supplementary appeals and are updated on a monthly basis.
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Source: 2025 budget was approved by ExCom in October 2024 while the 2024 budget figures include the latest supplementary appeals and are updated on a monthly basis.
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Impact Area
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
Budget by Outcome and Enabling Areas
yearselected
Strategy - Country
Strategy
Street Address:
Av. Luis Roche, Quinta Elsa, Urb. Altamira. Municipio Chacao 1060, Caracas, Venezuela, Phone number: +58 212.264.16.79, Caracas, Venezuela
Mailing Address:
Centro Altamira, Piso 10, Avenida San Juan Bosco, Altamira, Apartado Postal 69045, Caracas, Venezuela
Phone:
+58 212 2647391
Email:
[email protected]
Time zone:
GMT -4
Working hours
- Monday: 8:00 - 16:30
- Tuesday: 8:00 - 16:30
- Wednesday: 8:00 - 16:30
- Thursday: 8:00 - 16:30
- Friday: 8:00 - 16:30
- Saturday: closed
- Sunday: closed