Visa Requests From Venezuela Expected to Rise After Earthquakes, Community Leaders Say

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Nearly a month after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, the country remains in reconstruction mode with no international flights operating. But once the situation normalizes, the number of Venezuelans arriving in Quintana Roo is likely to increase, either on their own or through family members already in the state, community leaders said.

Marylin Torres, president of the International Council Sumando Venezuela (Cisvac) foundation, said there has been no immediate migration surge from Venezuela to Mexico because all embassies and consulates remain closed and airlines lack sufficient staff to maintain operations.

However, in Quintana Roo — home to an estimated 17,000 Venezuelans — requests have already been submitted to the National Migration Institute (INM) to expedite family reunification visa applications that were in process before the earthquakes.

“These processes are very slow, but given the humanitarian situation, the Venezuelan community in Quintana Roo is asking that they be accelerated,” Torres said.

Torres estimated that family reunification visa requests are likely to increase as a result of the earthquakes, since many people lost their homes and face a difficult economic outlook in Venezuela.

Donations

Speaking after a Coparmex press conference, Torres said her association’s collection center has gathered more than 18 tons of aid, including seven tons shipped within 72 hours of the disaster.

The center, located on Granada Street near Conalep, continues to operate. Venezuela still needs significant assistance, particularly non-perishable food, baby items, hygiene products, medical supplies, tents, lamps, and other useful goods.

The state DIF system provided transportation for the latest collection to Mexico City, where it was sent by air on Thursday. The next shipment is scheduled for July 30, followed by another on August 23, Torres said.

“This isn’t over. Food is a priority — people need to eat every day,” she said.

When asked about social media comments suggesting some aid had been rejected, Torres said there will always be people who say all kinds of things, and unfortunately morbid curiosity attracts attention. She emphasized the generosity of the Mexican people, who have donated tons of aid, whether from business owners or ordinary citizens. Even those who cannot contribute financially give their time to help pack supplies.