Overview

• The governments of Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica documented the reverse flow with support from the U.N. human rights office.
• Interviews indicate 97% of those heading back are Venezuelan, about half plan to return to Venezuela, and roughly a quarter intend to settle in Colombia.
• Nearly all respondents said they reversed course because they no longer see a legal path to reach the United States after policy changes under President Trump.
• Return trips typically cost $260 to $280 on precarious boats to Colombia, using routes that land in Necoclí on the Caribbean or Buenaventura on the Pacific.
• The report and U.N. officials warn of scams, boat accidents and exploitation by criminal groups targeting people who arrive depleted and vulnerable.