CARACAS – U.S. oilfield services giant Halliburton appears to be preparing for a potential return to Venezuela’s oil industry, with fresh signals emerging that the company could re-establish operations in the South American nation after a years-long absence.
According to a Reuters report, Halliburton recently posted a job board announcement dated January 16, 2026, inviting engineers, technicians and other oilfield professionals to submit their resumes for possible future opportunities in Venezuela. The move suggests the company is gathering a “talent network” in anticipation of renewed activity, though the posting itself is not a formal job application process.
Halliburton, one of the world’s largest providers of oilfield services and equipment, withdrew all staff from Venezuela in 2020 after U.S. sanctions made continued operations untenable, effectively ending more than eight decades of presence in the country’s energy sector.
The job board initiative comes amid a broader push by the U.S. government to revitalize Venezuela’s oil production following recent political and diplomatic developments. In early January, U.S. President Donald Trump met with major oil executives and encouraged an estimated US$100 billion in investment into Venezuelan oil infrastructure to boost output. Halliburton’s CEO, Jeff Miller, personally participated in discussions at the White House, expressing strong interest in a return and highlighting the company’s historical ties to the country dating back to the 1930s.
Industry sources indicate that Halliburton would likely resume operations only after securing necessary U.S. government approvals and payment protections, a step seen as essential given legal and financial complexities tied to sanctions and oil contracts. Recent reporting suggests the company could mobilize quickly — in a matter of weeks — once such frameworks are in place.
The prospect of Halliburton’s return has broader implications for the Caribbean energy landscape. Curaçao, with its strategic position and established oil infrastructure, including the Bullen Bay storage terminal, has already seen renewed Venezuelan crude flows under evolving trade arrangements. A Halliburton re-entry into Venezuela could further influence regional oil logistics and investment patterns, potentially affecting operations and economic activity on nearby islands.
As industry watchers continue to monitor developments, the next steps by Halliburton and regulatory authorities will be crucial in determining whether the company’s anticipated return becomes reality — and what that might mean for Venezuelan oil recovery and Caribbean energy markets in 2026 and beyond.