Brazil introduces strict entry rules for Asian migrants

Brazil is poised to introduce stricter entry rules for citizens of some Asian countries, including India, Nepal and Vietnam, who use Brazil as a transit point for migration to the United States and Canada, according to the latest data.

The Brazilian Ministry of Justice has reportedly announced that travelers from Asian countries who require visas to stay in Brazil will face new restrictions. These measures are specifically targeted at those arriving in Brazil without a visa and planning to continue their journey to another country.

Citizens of India, Nepal and Vietnam are reported to make up more than 70% of asylum seekers at the international airport Sao Paulo. Brazilian authorities are responding by cracking down on the practice of using Brazil as a springboard for migration to North America. The Brazilian Federal Police is now paying more attention to these specific nationalities as part of its efforts to curb illegal migration.

Implications for travelers without visas

For those arriving in Brazil without a visa and intending to use the country as a transit point to North America, the new rules are simple: they must either continue their journey or return to their country. Brazil's Ministry of Justice has clarified that these travelers will not be deported because Brazil is not their final destination. Instead, they will be instructed to continue with their travel plans or return to their point of departure. The policy aims to prevent Brazil from being misused as a gateway for illegal migration.

The decision to introduce these restrictions followed a federal police investigation which found that many migrants, especially from Asian countries, took advantage of Brazil's visa-free transit policy. Criminal organizations advised these travelers to apply for asylum as a loophole to circumvent visa requirements. This has led to a significant increase in asylum applications at Guarulhos International Airport, putting a strain on Brazil's immigration system. The police report highlights that the number of asylum applications at the airport has increased sharply, from 69 in 2013 to more than 6,000 in 2023.

Source: timesofindia