Ecuadornews:
A group of Venezuelans managed to enter Ecuador without a passport and began a trek along the highway on their way to Peru, newspaper El Comercio reported in Quito on the second day of the document’s requirement to cross the border.
“With their suitcases in hand, groups of Venezuelans who do not have a passport undertook this Sunday’s journey on foot through Ecuadorian territory from the international bridge of Rumichaca, on the northern border with Colombia,” the newspaper said.
He added that around 500 Venezuelans were waiting outside the Migration offices on the Ecuadorian side. They arrived today and found the news that they had to enter with a passport, a measure that was announced by surprise last Thursday.
“By not having an answer of their migratory condition to advance, they decided to walk by the Pan-American North or E35, that crosses the Ecuadorian territory”, emphasized the newspaper.
According to the newspaper, “authorities and troops of the Ecuadorian Police did not prevent the passage to the first group of foreigners who made this decision.”
He commented that Byron and Jesus, two Venezuelans who slept last night in tents placed in the border area, today decided to undertake the trip on foot through Ecuador, despite the restriction of not having a passport.
According to the newspaper, along the road, Venezuelans got on trucks or vans that helped them to continue on their way.
“We are not migrating because we want. The government is killing us with hunger. We are afraid of being denigrated. Have sympathy with us. It is preferable to die here than to return, “said Carlos, who has been traveling from Venezuela for five days.
With his luggage in tow, José said he only has a card but decided to move forward because they were not given “any response at the border” and they have until August 25 to get to Peru, before that country also demands a passport.
“The goal of us is to get to Peru because our family is waiting for us there,” he said, adding that he already has a job there.
He revealed that his family in Venezuela was “totally destroyed” because he traveled without money and has been walking for eleven days aware of the risks that could run, but stressed that he has faith because he travels “with God and the Virgin.”
“I decided to move forward to take my family forward,” he said as he walked along the edge of the road along with others of his compatriots laden with backpacks and suitcases. (I)
