Peru advances key deadlines for Venezuelan PTP applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Peruvian officials have moved up key deadlines for Venezuelan nationals seeking to obtain temporary permits of permanence, or PTPs.

What does the change mean? In order to qualify for a PTP, Venezuelan nationals must have entered Peru by Oct. 31 and must submit an application by Dec. 31. Under previous deadlines, applicants had until Dec. 31 to enter the country and until June 30, 2019 to submit an application.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: PTPs.
• Who is affected: Venezuelans entering Peruvian territory by Oct. 31.
• Impact on processing times: No significant impact. Applications are typically decided within 30 business days of submission. 
• Business impact: Venezuelans who are issued PTPs are authorized to work legally in the country. 
• Next steps: Applicants must apply at the MIGRACIONES headquarters in Lima or at the appropriate regional office.

Background: In January, Peruvian officials expanded the eligibility of Venezuelans to apply for PTPs amid an ongoing influx of Venezuelan nationals to Peru. Officials subsequently implemented a measure to allow Venezuelan nationals to apply for extraordinary provisional work permits while their application for a PTP is pending. They also waived a key work authorization requirement this summer, allowing applicants to apply for work authorization without needing to have their employment contracts approved by the Ministry of Labor. Officials have now moved up the deadlines, saying Venezuelan nationals must be in Peru by Oct. 31 and must apply for a PTP by Dec. 31 in order to be eligible. Other criteria include a requirement that applicants not have a criminal or judicial record in Peru or internationally.

BAL Analysis: Peru is one of several South American countries that have provided immigration relief to Venezuelan nationals amid a political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Argentina, Chile and Colombia are among the countries that have introduced new laws or regulations specifically for Venezuelan nationals. Venezuelan nationals interested in obtaining a PTP in Peru are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible and no later than the end of the year.

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

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