10 Oct 2018 | 01:41 AM UTC
Venezuela: Venezuela enacts stricter emigration policies
Government announces new emigration policies, including increased cost of passport and new migration police force, to curb exodus
Event
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced new emigration policies on Friday, October 5, effective immediately that are designed to curb the flow of Venezuelans leaving the country. Fees for passports and passport renewals increased approximately 400,000 percent, to the equivalent of four months' minimum wage. Beginning November 1, fees also must be paid in "Petros," a new government-sponsored cryptocurrency. Additionally, Rodriguez announced the formation of a new police force that will staff 72 checkpoints at the border. No further details were provided on the role or structure of the new force.
Context
Venezuela is experiencing a political and economic crisis that has resulted in shortages of food, medicine, gasoline, and other basic necessities, as well as extreme rates of violent crime and social unrest. An estimated 2.6 million Venezuelans have left the country, according to the UN.
Advice
Individuals in Venezuela are advised to monitor the situation and comply with government regulations. In general, persons in Venezuela are advised to strictly avoid all protests and political events and remain up-to-date on current sociopolitical developments.
