Furthermore, some are afraid of having to pay taxes and accept other obligations that would come with legalization of their status. Researchers and policy makers from other countries, especially in Latin America, express surprise at the range of public services provided in Venezuelan urban squatter settlements that do not have legal recognition. This policy has prevented, or at least slowed down, the legalization of the squatter settlements. In addition, improvements built by the residents are paid for by the government if the land is ever expropriated. Bureaucratic and Legal Procedures Venezuela is a country characterized by unequal access to the legal and administrative systems.
Bureaucratic procedures consume a great deal of energy and are very costly.
Accordingly, until a legal deed to property is required of them, most occupants appear content without it, and may even forget that such an option exists. It should also be noted that technical experts are not always available to determine ownership status and that incorrect diagnoses are not unusual. Furthermore, legalization initiatives run up against the need to identify the true owners. However, there is a prevailing lack of sensitivity and ignorance of the law among court employees and the professionals retained resolve these cases. The laws are very strict, and hence very difficult to apply.