Venezuela: Information on the rights and obligations for a person who has resided legally (with legal "resident status") for 30 years, particularly access to education and health services, and freedom to exit and return to the country
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | VEN21734.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Venezuela: Information on the rights and obligations for a person who has resided legally (with legal "resident status") for 30 years, particularly access to education and health services, and freedom to exit and return to the country, 1 September 1995, VEN21734.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab5548.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The information that follows was provided by the Consular Officer at the Embassy of Venezuela (15 Sept. 1995), and adds to information on the status of foreign residents provided in previous Responses to Information Requests available through the Refinfo database.
A person who has legally resided for 30 years in Venezuela would have obtained "permanent resident" status, since temporary residence can only be renewed for a few years. A permanent resident has essentially the same rights and obligations as a Venezuelan national, which are described in the Venezuelan Constitution (see attachment). A permanent resident has an identity card or "cédula" (described in previous Responses), has access to all the public services available to Venezuelan nationals, and is free to exit and return to the country with the same limitations that apply to a Venezuelan national. Political rights are limited for foreign residents; for example, they cannot participate in political affairs or vote in state and federal elections.
The attached excerpt from the Venezuelan constitution describes duties, rights and guarantees applicable to Venezuelans and foreigners.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Embassy of Venezuela, Ottawa. 15 September 1995. Telephone interview with consular official.
Attachment
Blaustein, Albert P. April 1983. Vol. 17. "Venezuela" Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, pp. 8-18.
