"The international Colombian migration starts in large proportions with a first wave during the 60s as a consequence of the appearance of rural guerrillas. At that time two main destinies emerge, the United States – with favorable migration laws at the time – and Venezuela – a neighbouring country which in the 70s was attractive because of its demand for manual labor in the farming, industrial and petroleum sectors. In the 80s a new migration flow becomes evident due to Colombia’s role as key actor amongst the illicit global chains of narcotics, provoking an increase in criminality and internal displacement. The minority that migrates into this business, however, leaves the country to avoid the negative consequences brought about by the illicit drug traffic".
UN-INSTRAW