Brazil to Implement Stricter Entry Rules for Asian Nationals.
Brazil is set to enforce new entry regulations targeting nationals from several Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Vietnam. These changes aim to address the increasing use of Brazil as a transit point for migrants heading to the United States and Canada.
The Brazilian Ministry of Justice has announced that travelers from these Asian countries, who require visas to stay in Brazil, will face stricter controls. The new rules are designed for those arriving without a visa and intending to travel further to another destination.
Currently, nationals from India, Nepal, and Vietnam constitute over 70% of asylum seekers at São Paulo’s international airport. In response, Brazilian authorities are intensifying their focus on these groups to combat irregular migration. The federal police are now concentrating their efforts on these specific nationalities as part of a broader strategy to address this issue.
New Rules for Visa-less Travelers
Under the new regulations, travelers arriving in Brazil without a visa and planning to use the country as a transit point must either continue their journey to their final destination or return to their home country. The Ministry of Justice has clarified that these travelers will not face deportation from Brazil since it is not their final destination. Instead, they will be instructed to proceed with their travel plans or return to their point of origin. This policy aims to prevent Brazil from being used as a gateway for irregular migration.
The decision follows a Federal Police investigation revealing that many migrants, particularly from Asian countries, have been exploiting Brazil’s visa-free transit policies. Criminal organizations have been advising these travelers to seek asylum as a way to bypass visa requirements. This tactic has led to a sharp rise in asylum applications at Guarulhos International Airport, placing significant strain on Brazil’s immigration system. The number of asylum applications at the airport has surged from 69 in 2013 to over 6,000 in 2023.
Impact on Indians with Valid Visas
Indians with valid visas for Brazil can continue their stay without any issues, in accordance with their visa terms. For Indian tourists and short-term visitors, the Visitor Visa (VIVIS) remains applicable, allowing stays of up to 90 days for various purposes.