It might not be accurate to describe them as "Lebanese expatriates in Venezuela," since Lebanese migration to that country dates back to before the establishment of Greater Lebanon. Thus, it is difficult to verify the numbers due to the complexity of tracing the roots of Lebanese people living in Venezuela.

The figure of 300,000 Lebanese residing in Venezuela is substantial, yet it pertains to a long period extending back to before Lebanon’s independence. Official data even suggest that "there are 340,000 Venezuelan-Lebanese, most of whom live in the capital, Caracas."

Lebanese migration to Venezuela began in the late 19th century following a governor’s decision to facilitate emigration from Lebanon. The Lebanese have influenced Venezuelan culture, particularly in food and music. Many Lebanese-Venezuelan figures have reached prominent political, diplomatic, and economic positions.

Mohammad Shamseddine, a researcher from International Information, explains: "The number of 300,000 Lebanese in Venezuela should be linked to the era in which these individuals migrated. Statistically, they include both Lebanese and Syrians, as this migration began before the establishment of Greater Lebanon. They have integrated socially and occupied important positions, contributing to many fields in Venezuela."

According to Shamseddine, "it is not accurate to count the number of Lebanese who can be considered immigrants to Venezuela, as the migration there was unlike other countries. Even in later periods, there were no significant waves of migration as usually occurs."

Family ties have been the main factor increasing the Lebanese presence there, with many considering Venezuela as their "original homeland."

Lebanese presence
The discussion about the Lebanese presence in Venezuela is tied to the period during which they settled, especially in Caracas. There is a large and influential Lebanese community, estimated in the hundreds of thousands in the capital. Migrating since the late 19th century, they played a significant role in the economy and culture, becoming part of Venezuelan society.

Lebanese excelled in numerous fields, establishing businesses - particularly in restaurants, trade, and finance - and emerging in politics as ministers and business leaders. They also contributed to diverse sectors such as oil, food production, textiles, and services, marking a strong presence in vital areas of Venezuela’s economy.

The Financial Times reported: "Lebanon has a long history of migration to Latin America. Part of this vast diaspora began in the 19th century with Lebanese entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their wealth abroad, especially since Venezuela was known for its oil richness."

The report notes that "the Lebanese presence in Venezuela is prominent, as Lebanese have integrated into economic life to the extent that they represent a backbone of the economy."

However, the political and economic crises that Venezuela experienced starting in 2018 negatively affected living conditions, leading to increased inflation, eroded purchasing power, and a collapsed national currency - a scenario closely resembling what Lebanon later experienced.

This crisis prompted Lebanese who had been raised in Venezuela to return to their ancestral homeland.

According to the Venezuelan embassy, "about 12,000 citizens, registered in Lebanon, have already left due to Venezuela’s financial crisis, but there are no statistics on the number of Lebanese or unregistered individuals."

It is perhaps ironic that these individuals returned only to face a similar crisis in Lebanon, after losing their interests in Venezuela - as if the "Lebanese fate" followed them twice.