In the midst of the growing migration crisis, some migrants have adopted a new strategy to reach the United States, avoiding the Darién jungle and using the San Andrés archipelago as an alternative route. However, this “VIP Route” is not without danger, according to reports from Colombian authorities.
Illegal human trafficking networks have identified the archipelago as a strategic point for migrants from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Nepal, Peru and China, offering them an exclusive route to Central America and, ultimately, the United States.
This new route involves bypassing the inhospitable Darien jungle, but carries significant risks for migrants. From dangerous maritime conditions to exposure to transnational crime and resource shortages, the “VIP Route” presents unique challenges that could jeopardize the safety and human rights of those who choose it.
Authorities warn of the high probability of shipwrecks, encounters with “pirate vessels” and extreme situations, such as transporting drug shipments or satisfying sexual demands to guarantee passage to Panama. Furthermore, the Darién Gap region, despite its risks, remains an option for some migrantsexposing themselves to crimes and putting them at the mercy of criminal groups.
Faced with this complex situation, the Attorney General of the Nation has called for inter-institutional unity and the urgent adoption of measures to address the migration crisis not only in San Andrés, but also in other regions of the country, where migrants face violence and various risks.
