Years of warlords, civil strife and drug trafficking in Colombia have brought thousands of refugees into neighboring Venezuela – over 200,000 in the past eight years. While only 20 of these are recognized as legitimate refugees, Venezuela has recently instituted an ID card program to protect those who have requested asylum.

The Venezuelan state of Apure is a popular entry point for these refugees, and has a large population of Colombian immigrants, both legal and illegal. Patrols by police and immigration officials regularly take place on buses, in border crossings and other public areas. Refugees without a refugee ID card or proof of application for asylum are deported back to Colombia. This is a very real threat for many refugees, as deportation to Colombia means violence or certain death, especially in smaller villages where wars between paramilitary forces and guerillas are common.
Venezuela’s distribution of refugee ID cards, though a very small program now (only one refugee is known to possess such an ID), is an interesting use of ID cards. Although the political climate in Venezuela is not ideal for many, it is seen as an escape for many who face serious danger in Colombia. ID cards issued by the government are a way for Venezuelan officials to measure the demographics of their illegal population and could be seen as a step for improving relationships between Venezuela and Colombia.  Many refugees still await their ID cards but hope they may provide them with a safer future and prevent them from having to face the dangers of everyday life in Colombia.
To potentially manage the large number of refuge cards that would be printed, a high-volume photo ID system would be the best choice. The added security and durability of lamination would also ensure the cards are not easily counterfeited.
Young Colombian gets First Refugee ID Card in Venezuelan Border State – from Reuters