IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements
Overview of key figures and trends
409k 82k 115k 270k
64% VENEZUELAN Number of irregular
entries in the Darien
12% ECUADORIAN province in the third
People entered Panama
9% HAITIAN quarter of 2023 is the Individuals have Monthly encounters
Individuals crossed
through the Darien 4% CHINESE highest in the Darien during applied for asylum in recorded at the Southwest

HISTORY
province during the Main nationalities August, the highest Mexico in the first border of the United States
first three quarters of in the Darien from number recorded three quarters of 2023. in September 2023.
2023 (213k only in Q3). January to in 2023. Highest number recorded
September 2023. in 2023.

Information as of September 2023

Mexicali
In the third quarter of 2023, a record-breaking number
of individuals engaged in mixed movements have
UNITED
Tijuana
Ciudad Juarez
1M 354 K STATES
OF AMERICA
Nogales Expulsions
under title 42
Expulsions under
title 42 by May
consistently been reported arriving in the Darien.
in 2022. 2023.

Officially, 212,601 arrivals have been recorded during

2.5 M Acuna
Piedras NORTH the months of July, August, and September 2023.The
Encounters at the Negras ATLANTIC
Southwestern United OCEAN majority, constituting 75%, originating from the Bolivarian
States border in
2022. Reynosa Matamoros
Republic of Venezuela (hereafter Venezuela), followed
27% increase in by Ecuador (11%) and Colombia (4%). This marks a
comparison to
encounters in 2021
MEXICO
BAHAMAS
95% surge when compared to the previous quarter.
(2,035,585)

CUBA Between January and September 2023, nearly

1.8 M 409,000 arrivals have been documented in the Darien
Encounters at the
Southwestern United
Ciudad de Mexico region, with a notable spike in August, totaling 81,950
States border by 30
Caribbean Sea
HAITI arrivals. This surge represents a 170% increase
September 2023. JAMAICA
compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
BELIZE

The primary nationalities of persons engaged in mixed

Palenque NORTH BELIZE
Tenosique ElPACIFIC
Ceibo GUATEMALA

La Tecnica OCEAN Flores Caribbean Sea

HONDURAS
248 K
People entered
409 K
People entered movements across the Darien in 2023 are Venezuelans
MEXICO EL

Gracias
a Dios El Cinchado
SALVADOR Panama through
Darien province
Panama through
Darien province by (64%), Ecuadorians (12%), and Haitians (9%). While there
La Mesilla
GUATEMALA
La Ruidosa El Corinto NICARAGUA in 2022. 30 September 2023.
was a noticeable decline in the number of Haitian nationals
Tapachula
Guatemala
El Florido
HONDURAS
Peñas Blancas Las Tablillas
during the second and third quarters, this may be attributed
to their exploration of alternative routes, especially through
City COSTA
Tecun Aguas Ocotepeque RICA ETRM San
Uman Calientes Danlí Trojes Vicente Canaan
NORTH
PACIFIC
EL SALVADOR Paso Canoas
PANAMA

ETRM Lajas
Membrillo
Necoclí Nicaragua. Furthermore, the influx of extracontinental
OCEAN
Choluteca
Guasaule
NICARAGUA ETRM
Los Planes
Blancas
Jaqué
Bajo Chiquito
arrivals persisted and even increased throughout the third
Gualaca COLOMBIA
quarter, with Chinese, Indian, and Afghan nationals emerging
as the most prominent among them.
Note: This map is for illustration purposes only. The boundaries and names shown, and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the UN.

Sources: SENAFRONT: Panama, UNHCR, 2023. 1

IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements © UNHCR/Ilaria Rapido Ragozzino

Overview of key figures and trends

The growing trend of individuals engaged in mixed movements has placed substantial
pressure on already overwhelmed reception systems. Throughout the period covered
in this report, critical needs persist at key locations, especially at border crossing
points and other reception areas where the available services remained inundated
and unable to cope with the mounting demand for assistance in crucial areas such
as shelter, food, mental health and psychosocial support, protection services, among
others.

Refugees and migrants involved in mixed movements across the region continue to
confront grave dangers along their journey, including incidents of theft, harassment,
extorsion, physical assault, and gender-based violence. The reported number of
people on the move who went missing in Central and North America in 2023 is
815, underscoring the level of risks and hardships faced by those engaged in mixed
movements. Persons engaged in mixed movements confront various health issues,
such as acute diarrhea, respiratory infections, skin problems, and psychological
stress. Mental health is a notable concern requiring increasing support and resources.

Increasing movements were also reported in Honduras where official figures reveal
more than 341,000 people entering the country irregularly from January to September
2023. The main nationalities include Venezuela (45%), Cuba (14%), Haiti (11%), and
Ecuador (10%). In Mexico, over 115,000 new asylum claims were registered from
January to September 2023, reflecting a 131% increase compared to the same period
in 2022. The primary nationalities of asylum seekers in Mexico include Haitians (33%),
Hondurans (27%), and Cubans (11%).

As evident from multiple data collection initiatives implemented in the region, the
predominant aim of most individuals involved in mixed movements is to reach the
United States. By September 2023, there were over 1.8 million reported encounters at
the U.S. Southwest land border, representing a 5% decrease compared to the same
period in 2022. However, there was a 9% increase noted in July, August and September
2023 when compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year. The primary
nationalities include Mexicans (24%), Venezuelans(17%), Guatemalans (14%), and
Hondurans (13%).
Providing information to persons engaged in mixed movements on the availability of
essential services, including safe shelter spaces along the migration route, access to
national asylum processes, eligibility for resettlement and other pathways, including
the U.S. Parole Program, and the CBP One App, is an ongoing priority. Without accurate
information, individuals remain vulnerable to deception, are more likely to accept
offers from smugglers and to be subject to extortion, fraud, robbery, and abuse.
Yoimar left Venezuela with her husband and their two children Maximiliano
and Evangeli. They walked from Venezuela and crossed the Darien jungle
with other 20 people.
“You must be very careful with children. It is not as it is painted; the reality
is different. It is difficult There are many diseases, many cases of people
who have been here for 20 days”.
Without money to continue her journey, they are currently stranded in Lajas
Blancas temporary reception centre.
“I want to go to school to become a doctor”, says Evangeli, while drawing
with her brother. “Weeks ago, before we left our country, it was my brother’s
birthday, and our parents took us to the beach. I loved playing in the water”.
In 2023, nearly 89,000 children have already crossed the Darien, who are
2
especially vulnerable to the risks of this journey.
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Highlights from the R4V Quarterly Movements Report • •

Amidst outflows from Venezuela continuing to outnumber returns, the rate ESTIMATED VENEZUELAN ENTRIES INTO COLOMBIA AND EXITS FROM COLOMBIA
of those leaving for Brazil increased even further during this quarter, while
Colombia saw greater exits than overall entries, predominantly leaving north 2023
140,000
towards Central and North America, and some to Venezuela. Q3 exits = 358.7 K
120,000
Q3 entries = 256.4 K

For the first time, more refugees & migrants engaged in northbound 100,000
2022
Q3 exits = 191.5 K
movements, towards Mexico and the US, than those moving south. This Q3 entries = 160.7 K
was the predominant trend not only in Central America, but now also in 80,000

South America, where Peru, Ecuador and Colombia all witnessed significantly 60,000

more exits through northern borders than southern ones. With 409K having 40,000
crossed the Darien so far in 2023, surpassing the Government’s initial yearly
estimates, more than half of year-to-date total of irregular entries to Panama 20,000

from Colombia occurred in this quarter (213K); almost half of Venezuelans 0

having departed directly from their country (only transited via Colombia), 91% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

intending to reach the U.S. 2022 Estimated Entries 2022 Estimated Exits 2023 Estimated Entries 2023 Estimated Exits

September also set a new record as the month with the greatest number of Ratio of entries vs. exits of Venezuelans in the land border with Venezuela (i.e. number of entries to Colombia per 1 exit to Venezuela)

encounters – over 66,500 – of Venezuelans attempting to cross into the US Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
irregularly from Mexico. 2022

A High Court ruling in Trinidad & Tobago considered the non-refoulement 2.9 2.5 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.6 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.4 1.6 1.3%

principle inapplicable in the country, leading to deportation of asylum-seekers 2023

and recognized refugees to Venezuela.
1.5 1.5 1.7 2.0 1.4 1.9 1.6 1.2

Proportion of total 2023 exits to Venezuela and Panama

Additional information included in the report Other 44.2% 38.8% 39.4% 42.3% 46.2%
39.3% 44.8%
50.4% 47.9%

Regional movement trends, key findings, and analysis, including the impact 31.9% 31.7% 32.1% 28.7%
32.3%

from policies influencing refugee and migrant flows across the continent.
42.4% 32.1% 38.0%
To Venezuela 45.5%
29.3% 29.0% 25.6% 25.1% 28.4%
20.0% 17.1%
To Panama 13.4%

Regular and irregular entries/exits of Venezuelans in the 17 R4V countries. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Sources:
Northbound movements through Central America and multidirectional Notes: Tableau dashboard
movements in South America, identifying main routes used by refugees and DTM Wi-Fi project
migrants. period onwards. It is recommended to avoid comparisons with previous reports to maintain analysis coherence. These changes are

For additional information and analysis on mixed

Sources:
movements in the
Tableau region covering July to September 2023,
dashboard
please see the quarterly
DTM Wi-Fi project R4V Movements Report.
3
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Missing migrants in the Americas

• Since IOM began monitoring deaths and disappearances of migrants and people on the move, between 2014 until 30 September 2023, 8,280 cases have been
recorded in the region. Actual figures may be a lot higher as not all deaths are recorded (MMP, 2023).

• 913 cases were registered in the Americas from January to September 2023. The break-down by sub-region is: Caribbean 160; Central America: 414; South
America: 59 and North America: 280 (Idem).

Total of missing people on the move recorded in the Total of missing people on the move recorded in the
Americas by sex and age group (2020 - 2023 Jan-Sep) Americas by subregion, sex and age group, 2023 (Jan-Sep)
1.458 414

1.316 92 34
54 44
245
179
280
913 12 174
783 58 46
660 687 119
28
76
160
415 145 5
420 26

70
162 59
423 427 7
259 321 77 3
59 26
23

2020 2021 2022 2023 (Jan-Sep) North America Central America Caribbean South America

Undertermined Male Female Children Undertermined Male Female Children

Source: Missing Migrants Project, 2023. Source: Missing Migrants Project, 2023.

4
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Colombia

287 k 1,114 From July to September 2023, IOM conducted an

extensive survey, including 47,479 refugees and migrants
Exits from Necocli Daily average exits from in Colombian shelters and those receiving assistance
recorded by Maritime Necocli recorded by at the Referral and Guidance Points (RGP). The findings
companies Maritime companies
showed a steady desire to stay in Colombia among
from January to September 2023. from January to September 2023.
individuals throughout September. However, there was
a 2% increase in the inclination to move to the United
38% 63% VENEZUELAN
13% ECUADORIAN
11% HAITIAN
States from August to September. In contrast, there
was a decrease in the intention to move to Chile and
Increase in exits
from Necocli 5% CHINESE Ecuador over the quarter. (Registry of Beneficiary Entries
in the third quarter Most important nationalities in Shelters and Puntos de Orientación y Referenciación
compared to second using maritime companies.
quarter of 2023. from January to September 2023.
(PRO) in Colombia, IOM Colombia, 2023.).

Monthly flows of all nationalities recorded by maritime companies in Necoclí 2023

1 January 2023​– 30 September 2023

55,854

41,460 43,250
35,991
31,469
23,133 25,601 23,359

6,921

January February March April May June July August September

Source: GIFMM-R4V, 2023

5
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Panama – Darien

82000,000000Irregular entries Darien | 2021 - 30 Sep 2023
82K

75K
2021 2022 2023

408,972
68333,333333
64% VENEZUELAN 60K
55K
12% ECUADORIAN 54666,666667 48K

9% HAITIAN 40K

People entered irregularly 4% CHINESE 41000,000000 38K 39K

31K
through the Darien
30K

Main nationalities 27333,333333 25K 25K 25K 26K 26K

23K
province from January to 19K
20K

by 30 September 14K
16K 17K

September 2023. 13666,666667 10K

2023 in the Darien. 5K
2K
4K 3K
5K 6K 6K
4K
8K
4K
1K
0,000000 NOV
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT DEC

75,268 3 times Irregular entries by nationalities | 2022 - 30 Sep 2023

Cuban
Haitian
82K

8.6K 75K

Irregular entries in the more irregular entries in 4.7K

Ecuadorian
Darien Province were the Darien by 30 Venezuelan
60K
55K
registered in September 2023, compared
8.5K
Other 48K 9.8K

September 2023. to the same period of 2022.

2.6K
38K
40K 39K
62.7K
58.7K
4.8 K 3.1K
31K 6.9K
40.6K 30K
1.6K
23K 38.4K 25K 25K 5.1K 38K
1.0K
20K 20.8K 25.4K 26.4K
16K 17K 10.2K 6.5K
14K 0.9K 23.6K 5.5K
0.8K 18.5K
17.1K 4.6K 7.1K
5K 5K 6K 7.8K 6.4K
0.5K 4K 0.5K 9.8K 11.4K 6.4K
0.6K
0.6K 1.6K 1.7K
10.7K 11K 10.4K 10.1K 9.5K 10.6K 11.8K
2.7K 5.9K 7.2K 7.0K 8.1K 6.2K 7.6K
1.4K
2.7K 2.2K 2.6K 2.8K 3.2K 3.4K 4.7K 5.7K

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
2022 2023

Irregular entries by age groups | 2022 - 30 Sep 2023

60K
COSTA
RICA
ADULTS
From ETRM San Vicente and
ETRM Lajas Blancas
To Chiriqui (ETRM Los Planes de Gualaca)
692 Kms

Chatí
Caledonia

Carreto 50K
ETRM Dos
Anachucuna
Capurganá
Chiriqui Chocolatal
Armila
Los Planes Bocas (Colombia)
Province Zapallal
Paso Gualaca
Canaan
Canoas San Membrillo
Vicente Puerto Acandí

40K
From ETRM San Vicente and
ETRM Lajas Blancas
Limon
(Colombia)
20 Kms
Bajo Necoclí
24 Kms
55 Kms 54 Kms Chiquito (Colombia)
Puerto Lajas
David Quimba Blancas

Secondary
route by sea

30K
and river
Turbo
(Colombia)

PANAMA
Darien Province

20K MINORS
Jaqué ADULTS
COLOMBIA
10K
MINORS
Juradó
(Colombia)

ETRM (Migratory Temporal Reception Center) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
Sea route by boat
Main Walking routes (May 2023)
Secondary Walking routes

Source: UNHCR, 2023.

River route by canoe
Bus route
Source: Migraciones Panama.
Disclaimer: Featured routes are based on May 2023 reported main routes.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations
Feedback: im.panama@unhcr.org
6
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Panama – Darien

327 49% 32 18 35%
Individuals were Men Average Different Reported to have
interviewed by UNHCR age nationalities experienced protection
between July and interviewed incidents during their

51%
September 2023, journey through the
entering Panama from Colombia in the jungle.
Darien province (Migration Reception
Centers Lajas Blancas, Los Planes, San Women
Vicente and Paso Canoas).

2% 2%
2% Food security
2% 8%

7% Countries of origin
Countries of
intended destination 87% 69%
Venezuela United States of people faced lack Have an
9% Colombia of food and adopted
Canada insuficient food
Ecuador Other severe coping consumption.
72% Haiti strategies. 56% consumed one
Burkina Faso 46% have regularly skipped meal only and 13%
Other meals and 41% spent whole none the day before
96% days without eating. the interview.

Main reasons to leave country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey Main protection incidents in the Darien
(More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected)

52,000000
63,333333
43,333333 56,666667
50,666667
34,666667 45,333333
38,000000 76%
26,000000 52% 34,000000 69%
25,333333 58%
17,333333 34% 22,666667
12,666667 24% 34%
17% 23% 11,333333
8,666667
9% 16% 5%
0,000000 11% 9% 14%
Lack of employment/ Generalized Lack of Victim of Lack of 0,000000
access 0,000000
Low income violence food violence to medical Clothes Food for Medicines, Information on Drinking Theft Physical threat/ Scam or Abduction Sexual assault
services and shoes the family health care protection and water assault fraud or kidnapping or exploitation
migratory
alternatives
Source: Mixed movement monitoring UNHCR-WFP, Panama, 2023. 7
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Panama – Darien & Chiriqui

1,461 56% 44% 31
69% VENEZUELAN
17% ECUADORIAN
8% COLOMBIAN
Individuals were interviewed at Men Women Average age
5% HAITIAN
temporary migratory reception
stations Darien and Chiriqui by OIM, Main nationalities
between July and September 2023.
interviewed

75% 96%
Intention to return to
country of origin
43%
Yes
No of interviewed of individuals
57% individuals have metioned the United
completed States of America as
secondary education their primary
destination.

Main needs Information channels used by refugees and migrants

Transportation 26% Telephone 38%

Food and Whatsapp 32%

nutrition
18%
Facebook 14%
NFI 15%
Face to 9%
Income generation/
15%
employment Internet 6%
Medical
8% TV 1%
assistance

8
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Costa Rica

2,597 44%
86% VENEZUELAN
5% ECUADORIAN
4% COLOMBIAN
Individuals Women
3% HAITIAN
interviewed in
Main nationalities

56%
shelters in San
José, by OIM, interviewed
between July and in shelters.
September 2023. Men

Source: Interactive data dashboard on migrants moving through the Americas in Costa Rica

Recorded departures of refugees and migrants from Panama to Costa Rica​ Note: This map is for illustration purposes only. The boundaries and names shown, and the
designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the UN.
TOTAL 2021: 126,512
90000 84,494
TOTAL 2022: 226,610
80000 TOTAL 2023 (Jan - Aug): 333,467 During August 2023, 84,494 people departed Los
70000 Planes ETRM for Costa Rica as part of the migratory
60,440
54,685 flow mobilising through the Americas,. The majority
60000
entered mainly through Paso Canoas, on the border
50000 41,064 41,064 39,853 with Panama (99%). The daily average number of
40,823
40000 27,694 departures was 2,712, reaching a daily peak on August
29,957 31,859 26th with 4,722 exits, and a minimum on August 27th
30000 24,122 20,677
19,521 19,443 16,164 with 1,309 exits. It is worth noting that currently the
20000 13,248 14,586 number of departures between January and August
18,592
10000 3,724 4,467 4,837 5,136 16,833 2023 (333,422) exceeded the record total departures
10,737 12,204
5,744 5,749 7,692 for 2022 (226,610) by 47 percent (DTM, 2023b).
0 3,570
1,032 1,577 2,217
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Source: Migration Reception Station at Los Planes of Guacala, Chiriquí, Panamá, 2022-2023.
9
*Data available as of August 2023.
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Costa Rica

613 55% 30 45% 46%
Individuals were Men Average age Reported that the fear Reported to have

43%
interviewed by UNHCR of generalized violence experienced
between July and and insecurity was a protection incidents
September 2023. reason to leave the in the route.
Women
Interviews took place in country of origin.

2%
Ciudad Neily, Paso Canoas
and Los Chiles.

Non binary
1% Food security
2%

80% 73%
7%
Countries of
10%
Countries of origin intended destination
Venezuela United States of people had food Have an
Ecuador security issues in insuficient food
Colombia the last month. consumption.
Haiti 55% spent whole days 41% consumed one meal
Other without eating and 25% have only and 32% none the
80%
regularly skipped meals. day before the interview.
100%

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey Main protection incidents during the route
(More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected)

90
75
60
45 88% 84% 53%
75% 66%
30 59% 39%
45% 44% 25%
15 26% 25% 18%
17% 9%
0
Lack of employment/ Lack of access Fear due to the Lack of access Lack of access to Food for Shelter Clothes and/ Internet and Health Theft Physical threat Extortion Scam or Prefer not
low income to food general situation of to education medical services the family or shoes telephone access care or intimidation fraud to say
violence/insecurity or medicine

10
Source: Mixed movement monitoring UNHCR-WFP, Costa Rica, 2023.
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Honduras

585 58% 41%

Women
1%
Non binary
32 39%
Individuals were Men Average age Reported to have
interviewed by UNHCR experienced protection
between July and incidents during their
September 2023. journey.

1%

5% 2%
6% Countries of origin Countries of
intended destination

44% 35%
Venezuela
8%
Cuba United States
Colombia
Canada
9% Ecuador
Other of people have food Have an
55% Haiti
Other security issues in insuficient food
the last month. consumption.
17% 24% have regularly skipped 29% consumed one
97% meals and 20% spent meal only and 6% none
whole days without eating. the day before the
interview.

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey Main protection incidents in the route before arrival to
95(More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected) Honduras (105 people who suffered protection incidents)

76

57
83% 60% 62%
38
48%
34%
19 36% 28%
27% 22% 22% 23%
10% 3%
10% 9%
0
Lack of Fear due to Lack of Lack of Threats or Food for Medicines/ Clothes Drinking Legal Theft Scam or Physical Extorsion Deny of
employment/ violence/ access to access to intimidation the family health care and/or water assistance fraud assault/ entry/
low income insecurity food medical shoes abuse push-back
services/
medicines

11
Source: Mixed movement monitoring UNHCR-WFP, Honduras, 2023.
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Guatemala

1,896 61% 30 34%
Men Average age

Individuals were interviewed Reported that the fear

38% 78%
by UNHCR between July and Women of generalized violence
September 2023. and insecurity was a
Interviews were conducted in several provinces reason to leave the
Reported to have experienced country of origin.

1%
and border points including Petén, Chiquimula,
Izabal, San Marcos, Hueuetenango as well as Non binary protection incidents in the
the capital Guatemala City. route.

5%
3%
3% 2% Food security
Countries of
Countries of origin
Venezuela
intended destination
United States
77% 60%
52% Honduras Other of people had food Have an
37% Ecuador security issues in insuficient food
Colombia the last month. consumption.
Other
69% have regularly skipped 54% consumed one
98% meals and 8% spent whole meal only and 6% none
days without eating. the day before the
interview.

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey Main protection incidents during the route
90 (More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected)

72

54
80% 68% 48%
36 43%

34% 36% 24%

18 31% 30% 16%
20% 4% 13% 8%
9%
0
Lack of Fear due to Lack of Threats or Lack of access Food for Medicines, Shelter Drinking Clothes and/ Theft Extorsion Scam or Physical Deportation
employment/ violence/ access to intimidation to medical the family health care water or shoes fraud threat or
low income insecurity food services or intimidation
medicines

12
Source: Mixed movement monitoring UNHCR-WFP, Guatemala, 2023.
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Guatemala

3,658 58%
Men
31 6%
of women
5%
people interviewed
Individuals were interviewed Average age
by DTM Guatemala between were pregnant or reported suffering from a
July and September 2023.
42%
Women
breastfeeding. chronic or severe disease.

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey

4% 3%
Better living conditions 25% Shelter 84%

Work (get a job or improve salary) 18% Food 79%

30%

Do not consider future in country 16%

63% Assistance travelling 64%
Dissatisfaction with government 13%
Personal hygiene items 56%
Title 42 11%
Internet access 48%
Countries of origin Violence 9%
Venezuela Drinking water 20%
Honduras Other(*) 8%
Ecuador
Colombia
*“Other” category includes: Improving access to food; threats; discrimination; Note: The interviewees had the possibility of selecting several options, so the
improving education; devaluation of education; currency devaluation; improving percentages will not add up to 100%.
currency; improving wages and income; and some feel persecuted for their
persecuted for their political activities in their country.

Source: https://rosanjose.iom.int/es/tablero-interactivo-personas-migrantes-en-transito-por-las-americas 13
https://infounitnca.iom.int/migracion-en-transito/round5
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements
Refugees and Migrants presence in Mexico (presentations and referrals)
98,579
Refugees and migrants presented and referred
to Mexican Immigration authorities 2022-2023 (Jan-Aug)

72%
83,881

Total 73,681
Presentations
Referrals 72,053 Increase of presentations
58,660 and referrals of refugees and
migrants from January to
52,218
49,323 47,804 54,588
56,872
September 2023 in Mexico
43,329 45,046
42,267 40,837 compared with the total events of
38,270 37,665 38,288
35,807 43,095 refugees and migrants with irregular
33,167 33,519
30,799 31,244
30,199 30,211 30,526 31,728 situation in the same period in 2022.
30,058 25,072
27,009 26,526
24,267 25,083 23,870

98,579
23,273 23,467
28,535
20,208 19,093
23,222 23,391 23,435 17,278
14,418 15,565
13,118 13,948 13,516 12,582 13,318
17,798 18,246 12,209 18,105 12,302
9,732 9,991 10,052
7,577 7,853 6,967
6,021
5,475 September is the month
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP with the highest number
of irregular immigrant
Refugees and migrants presented2022and referred to 2023

events compared to the

Mexican Immigration Authorities by country of origin last two years.
Refugees and migrants presented and referred to Mexican Immigration Authorities by country
and demographic group, January – September 2023
of origin and demographic group, January – September 2023
28% VENEZUELA
Main nationalities
Totalsbybydemographic
Totals demographicgroups
groups:
(Jan - Sep 2023): 17% HONDURAS
21% 11% GUATEMALA
28% Presentations Referrals
Venezuelan 9% ECUADOR
Honduran
4% HAITI
3% Guatemalan
3% Ecuadorian 78% (278,669) men 20% (29,222) men Main countries of
4% Haitian origin from January
4% Colombian
17% to September 2023.
Salvadoran
9% Cuban 22% (75,260) women 28% (41,437) women
11% Other

52% (77,121) children

Source: Unidad de Política Migratoria, 2023.
14
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Asylum trends in Mexico Top 10 Asylum applications in Mexico by country of origin

Jan - Jun 2023

115,343
33% HAITI
27% HONDURAS Haiti 37,736
11% CUBA Honduras 18,210 31,055
Asylum applications were 6% OTHER
lodged in Mexico from Cuba 12,777
4% EL SALVADOR
January to September 2023, Other countries 6,615
Top countries of
an increase of 31% compared to the El Salvador 5,033
same period in 2022 (COMAR, 2023).
origin in 2023
(COMAR, 2023).
SPNCategory % Venezuela 4,784

Specific legal and physical protectionGuatemala

needs 51%
4,646

27 k 71%
Child at risk 13% Brazil 3,531
Serious medical condition 12%
Chile 3,183
Disability 9%
Woman at risk 5%
of asylum-seekers
Colombia 2,144
Asylum-seekers Single parent 5%
interviewed by UNHCR in 37736
registered by UNHCR SGBV 2%
Source: COMAR, 2023
in Mexico in 2023. Mexico in 2023, have
Unaccompanied or separated child 2%Asylum-seekers with protection needs registered
Mexico:
specific protection needs.
Older person at risk 1% by UNHCR in Jan-Jun 2023
Family unity 0%
Torture 0% Specific legal and
Asylum Applications in Mexico 2020-2023 (Jan-Jun) physical protection needs 15,867
(all nationalities) Child at risk 4,740
129,756
Serious medical condition 2,555
129756 118,722 115,343
Disability 2,158

Single parent 1,836

86504
Women at risk 1,561
Unaccompanied or
682
40,910 separated child
43252
SGBV 399

Older person at risk 384

0 Family unity 44
2020 2021 2022 2023 (Jan - Sep)
Torture 17
15
Source: COMAR, 2023. Source: UNHCR, 2023.
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Mexico

1,390 50% 51% 53% 67%
Men

Individuals were Reported that being a Reported to have Reported one of

50%
interviewed by UNHCR Women victim of violence, experienced their main needs
between July and threats or intimidation protection incidents was food for
September 2023 was one of the main in the route. their family.
Interviews took place in 18 reasons to leave the

33 country of origin.
cities across Mexico. Average age
43% cited lack of employment.

1% 1%
2% 5% Countries of origin Countries of Food security
3%
intended destination

39% 19%
4% Honduras
5% Venezuela United States
42% Cuba Canada
6%
Guatemala Other
El Salvador of people had food Have an
Haiti security issues in insuficient food
15% Colombia the last month. consumption.
Ecuador 31% have regularly skipped 17% consumed one
18% Other 98% meals or 8% spent whole meal only and 2%
days without eating. none the day before
the interview.
Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs now and to continue the journey Main protection incidents in the route before arrival
59,0 (More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected) to Mexico (579 people who suffered protection incidents)

47,2

35,4
51% 67% 52%
23,6 47% 43% 40%
39% 29%
11,8 27% 24%
12% 24% 22%
10%
0,0 4%
Victim of Fear due to Lack of Lack of Lack of Food for Shelter Clothes Information Medicines, Theft Extorsion Physical Scam Abduction
violence violence/ employment/ access to access to the family and/or on protection health care assault/ or fraud or
insecurity low income food medical services shoes and migratory abuse kidnapping
or medicines alternatives

16
Source: Mixed movement monitoring UNHCR-WFP, Mexico, 2023.
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Mexico South Border

1,322 66% 34% 42%
Individuals were Men Women Were between
interviewed by IOM 26 and 35
in Tapachula and Tenosique years old.
between July and September
2023.

1% Travel group of interviewed individuals

5% 3% Countries of origin Countries of
6% Honduras intended destination
With
Cuba 33%
relatives 46%
7% United States
Haiti
43% Mexico
Guatemala
Not defined Alone 48%
El Salvador
Venezuela 66%
With
non relatives 6%
36%

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main reasons to choose country of destination
(More than one option could be selected) (More than one option could be selected)

Socioeconomic Employment 83%

conditions 84%
More favorable
socioeconomic conditions 78%
Violence/ general
security situation
48%
Safety 44%
Political Access to
37% legal protection 38%
reasons
Political 27%
Family stability
20%
reunification
Family 17%
reunification
Other 2% Other 1%

17
Source: Flow Monitoring Surveys in Tapachula. IOM Mexico, May 2023.
IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Mixed Movements Mexico North Border

1,099 61% 39% 33
Individuals were Men Women Was the
interviewed by IOM average age
in Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana
between July and September
2023.

3% 3% 4% 2%
Countries of origin
5%
Venezuela
7%
Mexico Countries of intended
42% Guatemala destination
8%
Colombia
Honduras United States 56%
8% El Salvador Mexico
Haiti Canada
Other countries
24% 94%

Main reasons to leave the country of origin Main needs

Socio-economic Food and

conditions
66% nutrition
21%

Insecurity/
violence 61% Safety 15%

Political
reasons
47% Shelter 15%

Family
reunification 8% 25% Income generation
and employment 13%

Legal
Other 4% assistance
7%

18
Source: Flow Monitoring Surveys in Ciudad Juarez , Mexico, OIM, August 2023 Source: Interactive data dashboard on migrants in transit through the Americas
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

Land Border Encounters in Southwest in United States

6%
Main country of origin in United States Southwest land border
31% MEXICAN
encounters from January to September 2023
13% VENEZUELAN
Decrease in the 10% GUATEMALAN
encounters at the 10% HONDURAN
Southwestern United 16%
States border by
6% COLOMBIAN Mexico
September 2023 (1.756.652), Main nationalities from 31% Venezuela
3%
in comparison to encounters by January to September 2023. Guatemala
3%
September 2022 (1.860.009). Honduras
3%
Colombia

59% 6% 16% 5%

6%
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru
Were Monthly increase from August
Were adults
unaccompanied to September 2023. September 13% El Salvador
travelling alone
and 35% moving children and (269,735) is the month with the 10% Other
adolescents. highest number of encounters 10%
in family units.
recorded so far in 2023.
from January to from January to
September 2023 September 2023
United States Southwest land border encounters, 2021-2023 269,735
252,320
251487,0 235,785 241,136 235,198 232,963
227,547
213,593 209,840 222,574 207,834 211,992 206,690
211189,6 189,034 192,001 231,538 193,249
178,795 174,848
173,277 204,087
170892,2 200,162
180,597 179,254 183,479
164,846 166,010 156,630
130594,8 154,874 157,358
101,099 144,556
Total 2021 Total 2022 Total 2023
90297,4 78,414
2.035.598 2.579.065 1.756.652
50000,0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
2021 2022 2023

Source: United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security.
19
 IBC Human Mobility (July - September 2023)

El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala

Returns to Northern Central American countries (El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala)
Returns by country of origin 2014 - 2022 (Jan - August )

98,856 39% 53% GUATEMALA

39% HONDURAS
Guatemalans, Hondurans Decrease in total were the countries with the
and Salvadorians were returns from January higher figures of returns from
returned from the United to July 2023 January to July 2023.
States, Mexico and other in comparison to the same
countries period in 2022.
from January to September* 2023.
8%

Returns from Mexico, United States and other countries, 2019-2022 (January - September*) Returns by destination country (Jan - Jul)

Returns from Mexico Returns from other countries 80,480 53%

Guatemala
Honduras
Returns from the United States Total 39% El Salvador

251,778

197,295

Returns 2022 Returns 2023

(January - December) (January - July)
133,058
125,257
61% (120,243) 68% (54,849)
90,138 94,283 98,856 Men Men
93,511
115,062

47,517 62,783
21% (41,192) 20% (15,931)
Women Women
33,145
29,646
41,973 35,650
24,977
3,658
648 2,100 549 18% (35,860) 12% (9,700)
423 Children and adolescents Children and adolescents
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 (Jan-Sep*)

Source: IOM, Unidad de información para los países del norte de Centroamérica Dashboard, 2023.
* Figures for Honduras have a cut-off date as of July 2023. 20