The Colombian government has stated it would consider granting asylum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro if he requests it. Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio clarified that no formal petition has been submitted so far. She highlighted Colombia's adherence to international asylum and refugee instruments.
The statement came amid regional tensions, with Foreign Minister Villavicencio explaining that Colombia assesses international protection requests on a case-by-case basis, in line with current regulations. "Colombia respects all international instruments on asylum and refuge. Any request must be evaluated," she stated in her remarks.
The official noted that the country is currently handling 33,000 refugee applications from various nationalities, managed by the Directorate of Consular and Migration Affairs. These are resolved by considering technical and legal requirements, granting or denying asylum as appropriate. "This is our policy. Many are handled based on the assessment of requirements, causes, and all the technical and legal aspects involved in evaluating a request. It is granted or denied, but that happens only when presented, and at this moment, there is no presentation, no request for international protection," Villavicencio emphasized.
As of December 12, 2025, there is no indication that Maduro has initiated any official process. This position underscores Colombia's diplomatic neutrality regarding Venezuela's political situation, without prior commitments. Should it proceed, the request would undergo thorough review to determine its feasibility under international standards.
