Brazil is set to introduce new restrictions on the entry of certain Asian nationals, including Indian citizens, to curb migration to the United States and Canada. Starting Monday, the Brazilian government will limit entry to migrants from countries that require visas for Brazil, according to a statement from the Justice Ministry on Wednesday.
Who is Affected?
The restrictions primarily target migrants from Asian countries who often enter Brazil to move further north to the U.S. and Canada. These measures do not apply to travelers from countries that are currently exempt from visa requirements in Brazil. Citizens of the United States and most European countries also remain unaffected by these new rules as they do not need visas to enter Brazil.
The Reason Behind the Move
A Federal Police investigation revealed that a significant number of migrants use Brazil as a stopover in their journey towards North America. Many book flights with layovers at São Paulo’s international airport but remain in Brazil to continue their journey northward. The investigation highlights that over 70% of refuge requests at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport come from nationals of India, Nepal, and Vietnam.
New Travel Requirements
From next week, travelers without proper visas will be required to either continue their journey by air or return to their home countries. The Justice Ministry’s decision follows a report indicating that the influx of migrants has caused significant disruptions at Guarulhos Airport. According to federal police investigator Marinho da Silva Rezende Júnior, the rise in migrants at the airport since last year has led to “great turmoil.”
The Dangerous Route Through Brazil
The report suggests that many of these migrants plan to travel from São Paulo to the western state of Acre, which borders Peru. From there, they aim to move through Central America and eventually reach the U.S. via its southern border. The perilous journey involves crossing the Amazon, and an earlier investigation by the Associated Press in July revealed that some migrants from Vietnam and India were using this route.
Growing Pressures on Brazil’s Asylum System
Brazil’s government is concerned about migrants using the country as a temporary stopover, especially at a time when the asylum system is already overwhelmed. The country has seen a surge in refugees from Haiti, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine seeking humanitarian visas. Between September 2021 and April 2024, Brazil issued over 11,000 humanitarian visas to Afghan nationals alone.
Brazil’s Stance on Migration
Despite ideological differences among its leaders, Brazil has remained committed to international migration agreements. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed this by rejoining the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration shortly after taking office in January 2023. However, while humanitarian visas are still being issued, the process has become more selective under his administration, reflecting the growing strain on Brazil’s immigration and asylum systems.
