New Rules for Transit Passengers at Brazilian Airports.
Starting Monday, August 26, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security will enforce new regulations for transit passengers arriving in Brazil. Those without a visa and traveling to another country will be required to either continue their journey or return to their country of origin.
Passengers who arrive at international airports in Brazil, such as Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo, without a visa and remain in the transit area will be denied entry. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security stated that Brazilian law does not require a visa for passengers who stay within the international transit area during stopovers or connections. This legislation aims to streamline the process and reduce bureaucracy for travelers.
The ministry emphasized that passengers denied entry will not be deported since Brazil is not their final destination. Instead, these travelers will be directed to continue to their intended destination. This new rule will not impact passengers from countries that do not require a visa for entry into Brazil. It specifically affects those from visa-requiring countries who do not have Brazil as their final destination.
Rising Immigration Concerns
The Federal Police introduced this measure after discovering that immigrants without proper documentation are being exploited by human trafficking networks. Investigations revealed that travelers, primarily from Asian countries, often buy tickets to South American destinations, but upon arriving in Brazil, they apply for asylum or remain illegally in restricted airport areas. These individuals frequently aim to reach the United States or Canada.
The Ministry of Justice stated, “Criminal organizations are advising travelers to apply for asylum to bypass Brazil’s visa requirements.” The government highlighted that the asylum process is being misused to facilitate irregular migration routes, with significant involvement from migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.
The number of asylum applications at Guarulhos International Airport has surged dramatically over the past decade, increasing from 69 in 2013 to 4,239 in 2023. Between January and August 21 this year, there were 6,329 applications, but only 117 individuals sought migratory registration required for asylum seekers.
Support for Stranded Immigrants
On August 21, representatives from the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office, and the GRU Airport concessionaire met to discuss support for stranded immigrants. Currently, around 480 foreigners are at the airport while their asylum applications are processed. The Federal Public Defender’s Office has called on airlines to provide basic necessities such as hygiene products and food.
GRU Airport has pledged to increase bathroom facilities for immigrants, who are currently housed in areas with limited access to restrooms. Public prosecutor Guilherme Rocha Göpfert emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure immigrants receive essential assistance and to expedite asylum processing to avoid disrupting airport operations.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Federal Public Defender’s Office have urged the Ministry of Justice and Federal Police to simplify and speed up the process for granting entry into Brazil, in line with the right to asylum guaranteed by Brazilian and international law.
The Ministry of Justice has established a task force with the Federal Police to handle asylum requests efficiently. By Monday, August 26, passengers in transit at Guarulhos Airport who seek asylum will have their requests processed.