How to obtain a visa for asylum seekers in Colombia according to the new resolution?

First of all, it is important to mention that a refugee and an asylum seeker are legally different. The first, whose status has already been recognized due to serious human rights violations and persecution, risk to safety and life in their country of origin and who the government of their own country was unable or unwilling to protect from such dangers. The second refers to a person who has not been legally recognized as a refugee and is awaiting a decision on his or her asylum application on the same grounds as the refugee.

How can I obtain a visa for asylum seekers in Colombia?

An asylum visa is obtained in Colombia once the condition is recognized, for which a procedure must be completed before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Internal Working Group for Refugee Status Determination (Grupo Interno de Trabajo de Determinación de la Condición de Refugiado – GIT Refugio):

1. If entering the country through land borders, ports or airports, the application may be submitted to Migración Colombia and will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for review.
2. If the request is made within the country, it should be made directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the post office: refugiados@cancilleria.gov.co y refugiadosencolombia@cancilleria.gov.co The application must include personal and family data, explaining the reasons for leaving the country and the reason for not being able to return.
   • *If the application is submitted 2 months after entry into Colombian territory, the reason for not submitting the application upon entry must also be explained.
3. When the authorities review the content of the application, you will receive a free safe-conduct for up to 180 days, which is renewable, until a decision is made on the application.

*The laissez-passer is a temporary document issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Migration Colombia to foreigners when required due to the circumstances of their migratory situation.