Argentina to waive some documentation requirements for Venezuelans seeking residency

What is the change? Argentinian officials have said they will ease residence visa processes for Venezuelan nationals who cannot obtain required documentation because of circumstances beyond their control.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals submitting first-time residence visa applications will be able to apply for visas even in cases where they cannot obtain all of the required documentation. The measure recognizes the extreme delays in receiving criminal record certificates from Venezuela and seeks to discourage Venezuelan nationals from falling prey to fraudulent scams offering to obtain the required documents.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary residence visas for Venezuelan nationals.
• Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals applying for a temporary residence visa either in Argentina or at an Argentinian consulate.

Background: Tens of thousands of Venezuelan nationals have left their country because of the ongoing political and economic crisis there. Some Venezuelans are unable to return home and many remain in other South American countries illegally without visas or with expired visas. Argentina’s decision provides some relief to Venezuelan nationals and follows programs in Colombia and Peru that offer special temporary permits to Venezuelans. Argentina’s measure allows authorities to waive normal documentation requirements in cases where they conclude an applicant does not pose a threat to public safety.

BAL Analysis: The extension of the visa process for Venezuelan nationals provides relief to Venezuelans seeking to apply for temporary residence. Venezuelan nationals should remain aware of and avoid fraudulent businesses offering to obtain the documents required to apply for a residence visa in Argentina.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Argentina. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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