Projects · FEDREC-USA

Veterans Law: support across borders

FEDREC-USA proposes amending and expanding Colombia’s Law 1979 of 2019 to make it easier for Colombian veterans living abroad and, where applicable, their families to access relevant services and benefits from their country of residence.

Read the reform proposal (Spanish)View letters and receipts ↓

Proposal submitted for consideration

Joint working group with the Ministry of National Defense

FEDREC-USA asked the Ministry of National Defense to convene a joint technical working group with DIVRI, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other competent agencies. Its purpose is to assess the legal, technical and fiscal feasibility of the measures and incorporate agreed provisions into the reform bill the national government would introduce in Congress.

The working group was requested. The receipts show that the letters were received. They do not confirm that a working group was convened or that a bill was formally introduced.

What would the proposal do?

Arts. 4, 39–40 and 45–46

Accreditation and consular support

Enable online accreditation, offer a verifiable digital veteran ID and issue free certificates, with an English version upon request. Consulates would help applicants facing technology or documentation barriers.

Arts. 47–49

Pension payments and proof of life

Allow payments to accounts in Colombia or abroad, seek no-fee or reduced-fee transfers and make proof of life available free of charge online or through consulates.

Arts. 38 and 50–54

Health and psychosocial support

Facilitate remote medical guidance, teleconsultations and mental health support within applicable conditions. The proposal provides for priority support for veterans with documented needs.

Arts. 55–59

Education, employment and entrepreneurship

Expand access to training and scholarships under each program’s terms, provide guidance on recognition of skills and promote job opportunities, employer networks and entrepreneurship.

Arts. 60–64

Guidance, housing and return

Provide consular legal and immigration guidance, facilitate housing applications in Colombia and strengthen return programs and emergency assistance.

Arts. 5–7 and 65–68

Travel, representation and cooperation

Propose priority service at Colombian border controls, seek voluntary airline agreements and promote representation of veterans abroad and international cooperation.

The proposal would amend six articles and add a new Title VII for veterans living abroad. The measures are subject to the legislative process, implementing regulations and, where applicable, fiscal analysis or agreements with third parties.

Read Law 1979 of 2019 (official source, Spanish) ↗