Between 2023 and 2024, approximately 66,089 Chinese citizens entered Ecuador. Out of this number, only 115 were able to obtain a temporary residence visa. However, nearly half of them did not report their departure through regular steps, which means that the actual number of Chinese citizens who left Ecuador is unknown. In comparison to previous years, there has been an increase in migratory flows coming from China. The majority of these migrants are heading towards the United States through irregular routes such as the Darien Gap.
According to the Foreign Ministry of Ecuador, between 50% and 70% of these people did not report their departure from the country. This has led to a decision by the ministry to suspend visa-exempted entry for Chinese citizens effective from July 1st. However, this measure is only temporary and will be reviewed based on the evolution of migratory flows from China.
The Citizenship and Development Foundation’s executive director, Mauricio Salvador-Alarcón, highlighted that the situation of these Chinese citizens who have entered under current conditions and have not reported their departure remains unknown. He also noted that Ecuador recently signed and ratified a Free Trade Agreement with China, and it remains unclear how this will impact relations between the two countries following the suspension of visas for Chinese citizens.
A New York Times report revealed that more Chinese migrants entered the United States via the Darien Gap in 2023 than in previous years after traveling through multiple countries. Many Chinese migrants fear economic hardship in their home country and seek a better future for themselves and their families in America by eventually applying for asylum. CNN reported on a growing cottage industry in Ecuador catering to Chinese travelers heading north to America by offering services such as transportation, accommodation, and assistance with navigating their journey to the northern border.
Chinese travelers who make this trip often spend significant amounts of money on guides and support services due to its risky nature.
In conclusion, there is an increase in migratory flows coming from China towards Ecuador and other destinations in Latin America. The suspension of visas for Chinese citizens is only temporary but could have long-term consequences on relations between China and other countries in Latin America.
It is important for governments involved to monitor these trends closely and take appropriate measures to address them while also respecting human rights laws such as those related to migration and immigration.
