At year's end, Uruguay hosted 60 refugees – mostly Europeans who have lived in the country for more than five years. Eight persons, all Colombians, applied for asylum in Uruguay during 2002.

According to the Uruguayan government, refugees enjoy the same rights as other foreigners resident in Uruguay. Refugees receive yearly, renewable permits to remain in Uruguay, and can apply for citizenship after five years. The government provides refugees with free medical assistance and education, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which carries out refugee determinations on behalf of the government, provides recently arrived refugees with cash assistance. The Uruguayan government does not deport rejected asylum seekers, but permits them to apply for other migration categories.

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