Data Access and Integration of Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia

• In Event: What’s Up with WhatsApp? Social Media and Politics in the Global South

Abstract

The crisis in Venezuela has led nearly two million Venezuelans to flee to Colombia, posing significant challenges for both the displaced individuals and the Colombian government. Despite Colombia's efforts to support these migrants, they face legal, economic, and social obstacles. Limited internet access is a major barrier, hindering access to information on government programs, economic opportunities, and social connections. In collaboration with Innovations for Poverty Action Colombia and the National Planning Department of Colombia, this study aims to assess the impact of improved data access on Venezuelan migrants. We measure how enhanced data access affects their knowledge of assistance programs, trust in the government, job market success, and well-being. To do so, we provide mobile data credits to a sample of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia without internet access. Additionally, a subgroup receives WhatsApp messages from the Colombian government, offering information on social programs and encouraging enrollment through an online portal. We also explore the role of digital literacy using innovative assessments. Analyzing the intervention's impact provides insights for policies to strengthen connections between migrants and host countries, leveraging widespread WhatsApp use for enhanced public service delivery.

Authors

• Nejla Asimovic, Georgetown University

• Kevin Munger, Pennsylvania State University

• Mateo Vasquez Cortes, Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico