Ecuador Proposes Flights for Ecuadorians Wanting to Leave the U.S. Voluntarily

The Ecuadorian government is rolling out a new plan aimed at helping undocumented Ecuadorians return home voluntarily from the United States. Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld shared the proposal, which comes in response to U.S. migration policies under former President Donald Trump that raised concerns over mass deportations.

Stepping Up Support for Ecuadorians Abroad

With fears of increased deportations, Ecuador is bolstering its efforts to assist citizens in the U.S., where it currently operates 12 consulates. Over the past year, the number of cases involving vulnerable Ecuadorians has surged by 150%, reaching over 1,400.

To meet this demand, more consulate staff will be sent to the U.S. "We’re preparing for what’s coming," Sommerfeld told Radio Centro. She also highlighted the government's focus on protecting Ecuadorians from human trafficking networks. "We want to stop this from happening and encourage Ecuadorians to stay in Ecuador," she said.

An Action Plan for Returning Ecuadorians

In response to stricter U.S. migration policies, Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry has developed a plan to support both forced and voluntary returns.

One of the key elements is the voluntary return program, which involves organizing flights for Ecuadorians who wish to return home. These flights, initially focused on those near the southern U.S. border, may expand to reach more Ecuadorians in other regions.

Shifting Focus to Migration Reform and Human Trafficking

Despite efforts led by President Daniel Noboa to push for the regularization of Ecuadorian migrants in the U.S., these initiatives have yet to succeed. Now, the government is shifting its focus to addressing human trafficking and promoting safe, regulated migration pathways.

Source: El Mercurio.